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Maybole Golf Club, Ayrshire. (1905 - 2023)

There is evidence that golf was being played in Maybole on the town green in the 1700s.

The Maybole Golf Club was founded in 1905.

The first course was situated just north of Auchenwynd on the Dailly Road. It was appearing on O.S. maps at this location until the outbreak of WW2.

The later course was laid out in the Memorial Park.

It was reported in February 2023 that due to “lack of support” the Maybole Golf Club was to close permanently.  

Mention of the course in May 1905.

King and his Navy and Army Saturday 13 May 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1900s showing the location of the earlier golf course. 

O.S. Map Revised 1908; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1911}.

The following is an extract from a report that appeared in the Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette on the 2 September 1905 – “Mr J Buchanan Lang, an Elderslie laddie, is getting along well in Ayrshire. Recently, about thirty members of the Maybole Golf Club met in the King’s Arms Hotel, and at a cake and wine banquet presented Mr Lang, their secretary and treasurer, with a solid silver tea service on the occasion of his marriage.”

Pictures showing Kilhenzie Castle and the earlier Maybole golf course.

In the early 1930s the secretary was H B Lang, Bellevue, Culzean Road. The club had a membership of 110. The green-keeper was J A Brown. Amateur course record; J McGill, 70. The station at Maybole was half-mile away. Visitors’ fees 6d per round, 3s a week and 7s/6d a month. Sunday play was not allowed.

New course record in August 1932.

Daily Record Monday 29 August 1932. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In October 1935 the area was hit by a violent storm with power cuts and blocked roads. “Telephone communication was impossible, Maybole golf pavilion lifted from its foundations and completely smashed.”

Golfer’s Handbook 1937; Membership, 100; Secretary – H B Lang, Bellevue, Culzean Road, Maybole; Green-keeper, D M Ivor; 9-holes, SSS 35; Amateur course record; J McGill, 70; Visitors, 6d a round, 3s a week, 7s/6d a month; No Sunay play.

In the March 1939 the death was announced of John Mc Pherson, aged 72. A popular figure in the town Mr McPherson was for many years Town Hall keeper, he had also been a member of Maybole Golf Club for many years.

At the time of WW2 the secretary was D Smith, Union Bank House, Maybole. Membership of 100. The green-keeper was D McIvor. The nine-hole course had a Par and SSS of 35.

Location of the first Maybole course.

The later course was laid out on the Memorial Park.

The Maybole Golf Club ceased to exist in 1923.

In May 2023 it was still possible to play 9-holes pay £5 and book on line but when you get there the toilet facilities are in the nearby swimming pool; the clubhouse is closed but you can play golf or walk your dog in the Memorial Park. The only change is that Maybole Golf Club which had playing rights over (not ownership) of the golf course has closed down.

From the Golfer’s Handbook 1951 to 1966; Membership, 100; Secretary John Thompson, 9 Whitefoulds Crest, Maybole; Green-keeper D McIvor; 9-holes, Par and SSS 35; Visitors, 1s a round, 3s a day; No Sunday play

Golfer’s Handbook 1975; Private; Membership, 100; Secretary, Sam Coulter; 9-holes, SSS 33; Amateur course record; K Miller, 67; Visitors, 1s/6d weekdays (5s weekends).

Advert from July 1979.

Kilmarnock Standard Friday 13 July 1979. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer’s Handbook 1982; Public; Membership, 50; Secretary, R Malone; 9-holes, SSS 33; Amateur course record; H McEwan, 66; Visitors, 65p (£1.25).

Golfer’s Handbook 1985; Public; Membership, 100; Secretary, A R T McDowell; Professional, A J W Kidd; 9-holes, 2,635 yards, SSS 65 (for 18); Amater course record; W W McCulloch, 64; Visitors, £2 (£2.80).

Annual prizegiving in January 1986 (can anyone provide names).

Ayrshire Post Friday 17 January 1986. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Competition winners November 1986.

Ayrshire Post Friday 28 November 1986. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer’s Handbook 1988; Public; Membership, 100; Secretary, A Hill; 9-holes, 2,635 yards, SSS 65 (for 18); Amateur course record; W W McCulloch, 64; Visitors, £2.20  (£3).

Golfer’s Handbook 1991 to 1994; Memorial Park Maybole; Membership, 100; Secretary, H McKay; 9-holes, 2,635 yards, SSS 65 (for 18); Amateur course record; W W McCulloch, 64; Visitors, £2.00  (£2.80).

Start of the new season April 1992.

Ayrshire Post Friday 17 April 1992. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer’s Handbook 1998; 9-holes, 2,635 yards, SSS 65;  Amater course record; W W McCulloch, 64; Visitors, £7 (£11).

Golfer’s Handbook 2002 to 2004; 9-holes, 2,635 yards, SSS 65;  Amater course record; W W McCulloch, 64; Visitors, £8 (£9).

The club continued to be listed in the Golfer’s Handbook until 2007.

Scorecards and picture of the course prior to closure.

Expanded course plan from the top scorecard.

Thanks to Dr Douglas Lockhart who visited the site in May 2023 and provided the pictures below.

The golf pavilion – locked and shuttered.

From the first tee.

Third green.

Fourth green and fifth tee.

Fifth green.

The ditch on the sixth.

Seventh green.

From the eighth tee.

Short ninth.

Ninth green and greenkeeper’s compound.

Ordnance Survey Map from the time of WW2 showing the Memorial Park.