100 Years of Golf at Muckhart
Published on:
30
May 2008
Muckhart Golf Club held a re-enactment of the original course opening on Wednesday 28th May to mark the club's centenary.
12 golfers played over 4 holes from the original tee back to the clubhouse, using hickory golf clubs and wearing period dress. Each golfer had a caddy, also wearing period costume, and many of the spectators were also wearing period costumes. The weather was fine, if a little misty and damp, but the rain stayed away.
Wednesday's celebrations were started by Sir Robert Stewart of Arndean who hit the first ball. Sir Robert is the great-nephew of Miss Ella Christie who donated the land for the original course, and who hit the first ball in 1908 to open the course. Charles Cairns, grandson of J Edgar Cairns, founder of the club in 1908, also came to Muckhart from his home in Helensburgh to attend the event.
Three games of four balls each were played, with a sizeable gallery following each match. The event was won by team 2 - George White - Club Vice-Captain; Linda Sommerville - Ladies Vice-Captain; Eilidh Watson - junior and Ross Leeds - Club strokeplay champion.
The hickory clubs were provided by Scott Patrick of North Berwick, a member of the Society of Hickory Golfers. Scott also set up a display of hickory clubs and other golfing memorabilia, and helped owners discover more about the origin and value of hickory clubs that some members had brought along.
After the golf, Provost Derek Stewart hosted a drinks reception in the Clubhouse. The Provost congratulated the club on its centenary, before presenting the players and their caddies with an engraved memento of the occasion.
