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Galashiels Golf Club, Ladhope Course. (1884)

Golf was first played on the early Ladhope course in the area around Appletreeleaves in 1884.

Golf continued to be played on the course until 1897 when the club was disbanded and the course abandoned. It was proposed that the land be used for grazing.

The club was reformed in 1912 with a nine-hole course, it was extended to 18-holes prior to WW1. The course was remodelled by James Braid following WW1. The club continued on the 18-hole course until 2008 when the course was reduced to nine-holes. The club continues to play over the “new” nine-hole course. 

This article records the history of the earlier club and also the loss of the 18-hole James Braid course in 2008.

There is no entry for Galashies Golf Club in the 1889/90 Golfing Annual.

Entry from the 1891/92 Golfing Annual – Instituted, 1886; Entrance Fee, 5 shillings; Annual Subs, 5 shillings; Number of members, 89; President, J S Brunton, Ladhope; Vice-president, J Brown; Captain, J M Barclay; Committee – A Brodie, W Tinlin, J Kemp, W Dunlop, R Watson and G Hall (Treasurer); Secretary – A D Robson, Solicitor, Galashiels; Green-keeper, T Sanderson; Club Prizes – Barclay Medal and Monthly Medal; The course is a nine-hole one, situated at Ladhope, about 10 minutes walk from Galashiels station.

Interesting to note that the report below dated February 1891 mentions “The recently formed Galashiels Golf Club.”

Southern Reporter Thursday 26 February 1891. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Below the first monthly medal played in November 1891.

Southern Reporter Thursday 12 November 1891. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The October 1895 monthly medal was won by Hugh Roberts, 101-22-79.

The January 1896 monthly medal was won by Thomas Ovens, 94-14-80.

Golf Club Supper and Presentation in April 1896.

Southern Reporter Thursday 2 April 1896. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Result of the March 1897 monthly medal at Galashiels Golf Club; Adam Brown, 83-3-80.

Report on a meeting held in March 1897.

Southern Reporter Thursday 1 April 1897. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The earlier Galashiels Golf Club was disbanded in 1897 and many of the members joined the newly formed Torwoodlee Golf Club.

The Galashiels Golf Club is revived.

From The Scotsman Monday 5 August 1912 – “THE NEW COURSE AT GALASHIELS – Good progress has been made with the laying out of the new Galashiels golf course at Ladhope. The greens have been laid, and a number of the members have already enjoyed a game over the course, which however, will not be formally opened for some time yet. The new club has been well supported, and now that matters have been so well advanced it is expected that a further big addition will be made to the membership”.

The first general meeting of the new club in August 1912.

Southern Reporter Thursday 29 August 1912. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Gift of a golf course by Councillor Hugh Roberts with a 999 year lease.

The Scotsman Tuesday 29 October 1912. Image © Johnston Press plc.

Result of a New Year Competition in 1915; A M Johnstone, 108-12-96; R Scott, 120-21-99; James Robertson, 117-17-100.

In 1919 Mr Hugh Roberts provided more land and an 18-hole course was laid out by James Braid, he was assisted by the club green-keeper, Bob Hood.

In 1920 a professional tournament was arranged. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the opening of the Braid course.

Result of the professional tournament played in May 1920.

Jedburgh Gazette Friday 28 May 1920. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The club continued to play on the Braid course, with a few minor changes, until the club decided to revert to a nine-hole course in March 2008.

Below is the scorecard for the 18-hole course from the early 2000s.

Below are images of the former Braid holes (suitably attributed).

The old 13th hole at Galashiels in 1966.

The 11th green prior to closure. The green was at the high part of the hilly course.

The old 11th green four months after closure.

Golfers on the 13th green.

The 14th green.

Playing the 15th hole for the final time.

The 17th green.

The 18th green and clubhouse in the background.