scotscraig

Scotscraig Golf Club was founded in 1817, when there were only 12 other clubs in existence. The club flourished for 17 years when, as the minute book reveals, in 1834 the course was ploughed up. The following year members traveled to Montrose to play their autumn meeting, thereafter the club went into abeyance for 50 years. During Scotscraigs early existence the club set a very high standard, which is reflected to this day, having Gold and Silver Medals to play for.

Uniform was mandatory at all club meetings, history revealing that two uniforms were the order of the day. The playing attire was in the form of a red coat with green velvet collar, sporting a badge on the left breast. For formal wear, such as the Annual General Meeting, members wore a double breasted green superfine cloth coat with a black velvet collar and cuffs, sporting five large buttons on each side of the breast. Any member failing to abide with the clubs dress code was fined the princely sum of two bottles of Port.Following a merger with Newport Golf Club in 1890, membership increased rapidly, with a custom built clubhouse being erected in 1896.

Eight years later the course was extended to 18 holes, alterations and extensions being made under the expert supervision of James Braid, to create the course which is largely the one you'll find today. Although close to the sea, there is something of a heath land nature to Scotscraig with far more trees in evidence than on most links, combined with many within bushes and the rolling nature of the fairways, the course is quite demanding but, at the same time, interesting. The most memorable hole is the 4th, a Par 4 of average length but with a formidable finish over lumpy, heather covered terrain to a plateau green which is very difficult to hit and hold. A lengthy challenge is the Par 5, 14th, a test that calls for precise positioning in order to reach the well-guarded green.

Players of all levels will find a day's golf at Scotscraig truly enjoyable.