Course of a Century 1896-1996
The Opening
EXCITEMENT mounted as the date of the opening drew closer. The Committee had 50 bills printed and distributed, and tickets were sent to invite Patrons.
Entry money for the opening tournament was set at 2 shillings and sixpence, and 2 silver medals were presented by Rev J B Cumming, Captain, for the winning lady and gentleman.
Mr Skirving, President, had been invited to make a short speech and Rev Cumming was to drive off.
The weather by all accounts was all that could have been wished for and a large crowd had assembled. What pleasure it must have given all those gathered as they enjoyed the ceremonial opening of golf in Dufftown.
In his remarks before driving off Rev Cumming was reported as saying that the national game had made such headway even England had taken it on so successfully. Prophetic words indeed as in that year J H Taylor, Winchester, was the Open Champion and in years to come Open Champions would come not only from England but from almost every corner of the world.
The speeches over, a foursomes match was played between the Captain and Father Gerrie against Dr Cowie and Dr Angus, the Church coming out as victors.
The opening tournament was played over 18 holes for gentlemen and 9 holes for ladies. The lady winner was Miss Thomson, teacher, with a score of 88. The gentleman winner was Mr John Shand, Schoolmaster, with a score of 120. Second was Mr Innes, Town & County Bank, on 129, and third Mr Stewart, Mortlach Distillery on 130.
The names recorded of other competitors that day were, Mr Geo Spence, clothier; Mr Forsyth, Lime Works; Mr Allan, teacher; Mr Geddes, merchant; Mr John Macpherson, draper; Mr Robertson, druggist; Mr Allan, ironmonger; Mr Smith, organist; Mr Joiner, druggist; Mr Sheed, merchant; and Mr Garden, painter.
The opening drive on the course was played from the bridge over the Tomintoul road by the Fittie Burn, the green being near to the present Clubhouse.
The second hole went uphill, and the third then struck off at an angle across part of the present course, to a green set just over the dyke.
The fourth hole went uphill alongside the Conval Wood to the highest point on the course. This green is still played on, although enlarged and reshaped, as the fourth hole also, of the present course.
The fifth hole went downhill at an angle to a green which remains, between the present 13th and 16th fairways. The sixth crossed the dyke again, down to a green in the Fittie field. The seventh was a short hole up into the corner and the last two holes were played downhill parallel to the Fittie Burn, the last green being close to the first tee.
The five holes in the Fittie field provided a shortened course, taking out of play the steepest part of the course and the dreaded dyke. It was used mainly by the ladies in their competitions and for short casual rounds.
The Course 1896-1929
The course then remained with little change until 1930, when it was lengthened by taking in part of the present course. After the 1939-45 war the Fittie field was lost to the Club and the course was re-designed, before it was eventually extended to 18 holes in 1989.
With the course formally opened all was now ready for competitions and matches, but already the Committee were planning the next essential step, the erection of a Clubhouse.
A great deal had been achieved in a very short space of time, the confidence of the new Club was high, and their achievement was something worth celebrating on that opening day.
The golf course is about half a mile distant from the Square. It is on the estate of Glenrinnes and the farm of Mether Cluny, and was laid out by the well known Aberdeen golfer, Archie Simpson. The ground being plain, artificial bunkers were formed to give variety to the game. These, along with the stone dykes at the first, third, and sixth holes are the chief obstacles, and to an experienced golfer are very negotiable. The construction of the putting greens are peculiar. The course being a hilly one, the greens would all have been on the slope but they have been built up at one side and dug down at the other, thus forming a difficulty to players accustomed to the ordinary style of greens which often mitigate against a low round. The course has been termed an easy one, and good play is obtained with lofter and mashie. Difficulties have to be overcome at the 4th, 8th and 9th, while often a novice at the game will run up his score at the dyke. At the 4th hole a pulled drive may either land you in the ditch or the wood, while at the 8th hole a drive to the left may send your ball in the burn, or if not careful you may get into a bunker close to the green. At the 9th hole an approach that is strong may go over the bank beside the club house.
The record score was made by Mr. Brady I. R. Officer, as follows:- First round, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4 = 38; second round, 3, 3, 5, 5, 4, 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 4 = total for the two rounds, 72. With the Convals and Ben Rinnes in the background, Auchindoun Castle in the distance, golfers will have no reason to complain of the lack of variety or magnificence of the scenery. The Course being 700 feet above sea level, playing at such an altitude should give exhilaration free from the jading influences which might be caused by over exertion under other circumstances.
G. E. McLennan's "Guide to Dufftown" - 1901.
Article - Banffshire Journal, 12th May 1896.
