Course of a Century 1896-1996
Full Course
The lease of the course was due for renewal in 1988 and it was felt that the Club should make an early approach to Miss Cowie to enquire if it was possible to purchase land from the Estate. Before any approach was made however, Miss Cowie died in early 1985 and it was later that year before a letter was sent.
Almost immediately Mitchie Cumming, who had now taken over the Estate, requested a meeting with the Captain, Jim Goodall and vice-captain, Mike Reid. His reply was that in no circumstances would the Estate sell any land but would offer an additional 50 acres or so in order to extend the course to 18 holes.
The immediate reaction within the committee was very favourable and after a report to the Annual General Meeting in November a sub-committee was formed to consider all aspects of what this would entail. A further meeting was held at Glenrinnes Lodge with the captain and vice-captain, Marion Swann, secretary, and Ivan Montgomery, match secretary. A new lease of 21 years would be granted with an understanding that if the Club found difficulty in the financial running of the larger course then the rent would be negotiable. This was a generous gesture to the small Club as there were real fears that the expense involved in running an 18 hole course might be too great.
A small group of the committee walked over the seemingly vast area to be made available surrounding the Conval Croft, and the wonderfully scenic gorges of the Fittie Burn. All agreed that the area would lend itself to accommodating a further 9 holes and some of these would be quite spectacular. More important, the land was already in grass and apart from infilling some ditches it would easily form good fairways. At a committee meeting in January 1986 it was proposed to call a Special Meeting to allow full debate on all aspects of the project. The meeting was held in the Commercial Hotel on 3 February and after lively discussion, with only a few dissenters the proposal was approved and the way was open for the greatest change to the course in its 90 year history.
Financially the Club had little in the way of reserves, but enquiries soon revealed the possibility of obtaining grants from both Moray District Council and the Highlands and Islands Development Board. The sub-committee drew up an outline plan of the layout and an approximate specification of the work required. By linking part of the existing 9 holes into the new area, play could continue right through the construction work with only minimal disruption to golfers. Enquiries were made of local construction companies and it was quickly established that Remac Ltd, Elgin would be the front runners both in terms of price and that they had recently been involved in extending both Hopeman and Moray Golf Courses. An approximate figure of £30,000 was the probable cost but this was provided the Club could obtain and transport topsoil to each of the proposed 11 greens and 22 tees. A source of topsoil was located in Aberlour, a soil screener and mechanical digger obtained, and on very much a self-help basis the costs would be kept to a manageable level.
There was now to be a great deal of activity to raise enough money to allow an early start to be made. The Club's long history and its popularity in the wider community saw a great deal of support for the project. Moray District Council and the Highlands and Islands Development Board both recognised the attractions of the course to tourists and its amenity value to the local community, and both generously provided grants, £8500 from Moray District Council and £5000 from the Highlands and Islands Development Board. Local industry too was very supportive and donations of £2000 from Glenfiddich Distillery and £1000 from Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd were received. A clay pigeon shoot with Club members operating the traps at Glenrinnes Estate realised almost £1000 for which the Club was extremely grateful to Mitchie and Jean Cumming. Over the next 2 years local members were to add a further £1800 to the funds with a variety of events. A bowling tournament arranged by Dennis McBain realised £360, a concert organised by Jim Fraser £230, a quiz by Caroline Fraser £50, a donation from the Dufftown '77' Club £50 and £38 from a bridge tournament. By far the largest contribution came from sales held by the Ladies Section which brought in over £1300.
The Annual General Meeting in November 1986 received a report of the work in progress and after the excitement and activity of the past months there was much satisfaction at the progress so far. The only change in the Club's officers was Mrs Joy Gray who took over as Secretary from Mrs Marion Swann who had been the Club's able secretary for the past 13 years. Subscriptions were raised in view of the need to raise funds and were now £35 for Gentlemen, £30 for Ladies, the Green Fee remained £3 in view of the construction work on the course, although visitors expressed keen interest in the new extension. Work was to continue throughout 1987 and 1988 and Sandy Gray, greenkeeper, continued to maintain the existing 9 holes while keeping a watching brief over the work on the extension. By early 1989 the opening was eagerly anticipated but Sandy Gray's advice was to leave the course until later in the summer to allow more growth on the greens. Further finishing touches still remained to be added to the course, the construction of two bridges was undertaken by Jake England and Leslie Mclntosh and a new set of tee markers had been generously provided by Glenfiddich Distillery. An attractive feature of the course was the natural stone wall tees built complementing the dykes around the course and the Club were grateful to the local Manpower Resource Commission for the building work on these. One person above all was singled out for his assistance throughout the work. Iain Smith, treasurer, worked ceaselessly over the construction period, riddling topsoil, driving it to the site as needed, helping to build tees, and still managing to win the Mitchell Cup in 1988. Iain continued to work tirelessly for the Club adding to and improving aspects of the course following its opening, and the Club was to be stunned by his sudden death later in 1990. The history of the Club contains many individuals who have selflessly contributed to its continuing success, and it will always continue to flourish as long as their memory remains and is recorded to be seen by all who succeed them.
