The Internet's Most Comprehensive Guide

Balfron Golf Club, Stirling. (1905 - WW2)

Founded 1905.

Report on a proposed golf course in October 1901.

Kirkintilloch Herald Wednesday 9 October 1901. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Report on the progress of the club in August 1905.

Kirkintilloch Herald Wednesday 9 August 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In 1906 fees for gents were 1/- a day, 2/6d a week and 5/- a month, ladies paid 1/-, 2/- and 2/6d respectively.

Campsie Hills from the original Balfron course.

In 1914 the club had a membership of 100. There was no entry fee. Subs for gents were £2/2/0 and ladies £1/1/0. There were no restrictions for ladies.

Report on the annual meeting in June 1914.

Stirling Observer Saturday 6 June 1914. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The winner of the June 1914 monthly medal was David S Hart with a score of 83.

Result of a match played at Camspie Golf Club in July 1914.

In October 1914 the winner of the Fyfe-Jamieson monthly medal was won by John M Henry (8) 83.

Report on the annual meeting in May 1917.

Stirling Observer Saturday 26 May 1917. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

It was reported in the Dundee Courier in May 1919 that "Balfron has secured a new golf course, and a green-keeper has been appointed. The course is of fine old turf."

Following WW1 the secretary was J T Michie, British Linen Bank House, Balfron who remained in the position until 1940. A 9 hole interesting course on high peaty ground with natural hazards. The station at Balfron was 2 miles away. There was also a regular bus service to Glasgow and Stirling. Sunday play was not allowed.

Location of the course in the early 1920s.

O.S. Map © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1923}

In 1922 membership was 150. Visitors’ fees were now 1/- a day, 3/- a week, 5/- a fortnight, 7/- a month.

Result of the bogey competition for the captain’s prize played on Saturday 22 August 1931; R Simpson (10) 4up; L Buchanan (10) 3up.

Pre-WW2 postcard. Courtesy of Frank Accleton.

Result of a bogey competition played in April 1935; Ian Sinclair (10), all square; Wm Buchanan (16), 4down.

Result of the April 1938 medal; J Aitchison, 80-14-66; J Ulstrom, 76-9-67.

Result of a bogey competition played in June 1938; T B Paul (10), 4up; T Fleming (3) and W Mutch (7) tied on 1up.

Bogey competition played in August 1938 was won by T B Paul (10), 1up. Result of the McLintock Cup; R Simpson (17), 63; W Mutch (7), A MacKay (8) and T Fleming (3), 65. The monthly medal was won by Robert Kidd (18), 64; runner-up was J McDonald (7), 71.

The McLintock Cup Final was played in September 1938, result; G Shearlaw (18), 71+57=128; A MacKay (7), 65+66=131.  

The McLintock Cup Final was played in July 1939; R Simpson (4) 64; J Gilfillan (10) 66; H Downie (13) 66.

In 1940 the 9 hole course had a SSS of 66 and a membership of 180. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a round, 1/6d a day, 6/- a week, 9/- a fortnight and 12/- a month.

The course was used for agricultural purposes during WW2. Attempts were made to reform the club after the war but they failed. The current club first appeared in 1991.

The Google Map below shows the location of the original course.