Published on:
16
May 2008
Muckhart Golf Club celebrates its 100th anniversary this month with a re-enactment of the original opening.
Club members and their families will be in 1908-style 'fancy-dress' to mark the occasion and will be joined by Provost Derek Stewart.
You are invited to send a photographer to the clubhouse at 8.15pm on 28th May 2008 when Provost Stewart will host a small reception to mark this historic occasion.
Provost Stewart said: "It is quite an achievement for a golf club to be thriving after 100 years and I am pleased to be able to help mark this occasion. I would like to wish the club best wishes for another 100 years."
Muckhart Golf Club was founded by the local Minister, the Rev. J. Edgar Cairns with the assistance of local benefactor Miss Ella Christie, who provided 55 acres of land.
The original nine holes were created by J. B. Wyles of Dollar and opened by Miss Christie on 28th May 1908, by driving a ball down the first fairway.
During World War II the course fell into disrepair when all the greens were used for grazing sheep. But is was rediscovered and renovated in the post-war years and in 1970 an energetic committee extended the course to 18 holes, leasing land from former Lord Lieutenant, Sir Robert Stewart of Arndean.
In the 90s, land adjoining the course became available for purchase, and the enterprising committee realised a potential for further expansion. These nine holes were officially opened in 1998, and completed the magnificent 27 hole heathland golf course that we know as Muckhart Golf Club today.
To mark the centenary 12 golfers, each accompanied by a caddie, all dressed in period costume, will play four holes of golf using hickory shafted clubs. They will tee of at 6.30pm from the original first tee and play on the site of the original 9 holes. The outfits have been created with the assistance of Alloa Musical Players.
Muckhart currently has 900 members, including 120 juniors, and Club Secretary Alison Houston said: "There is a real air of excitement around the club at the moment and we are all thrilled about being part of the historic centenary celebrations."
The golf club is very much part of the community in Muckhart and a large crowd, some in period costume, is expected to attend the event.
Contact Alison Houston on 01259 781423 for more information.