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Bonawe (Taynuilt) Golf Club, Taynuilt, Argyll. (1891 - WW2)

Evidence of a proposed club appeared in The Scotsman Monday 30 November 1891. "Taynuilt - A meeting of residents favourable to the forming of a golf club was held in the Taynuilt Hotel on the evening of Friday last. A A L Campbell of Lochneil occupied the chair. It was unanimously resolved that a committee be appointed, consisting of Dr. Macnaughton, D Macdonald, and David Baird to select a suitable course, and to take steps towards the formation of a club, to be called The Bonawe Golfing Club."

Below is a report on the opening of the course In April 1892.

 

Bonawe (Taynuilt) Golf Club, Taynuilt, Argyll. Opening of the Bonawe course in April 1892.

From The Scotsman Tuesday 5 April 1892. Image © Johnston Press plc.

 

The later club was founded in 1906.

Report on the new course from The Scotsman Saturday 26 May 1906; "Taynuilt New Course - The following is a report by Mr William Fernie, Troon, on a proposed golf course for Taynuilt, Argyllshire: "Having been instructed by the Lochnell Estates Trustees to advice them with reference to the laying out of a golf course on the Lochnell Estate at Taynuilt. I visited and inspected the ground proposed. This consists for the most part of what are known as the Bonawe Parks, lying to the north of the Callender and Oban Railway, and between the River Awe on the east and  the River Nant to the west. These parks consist of fine old pasture land and are of an undulating and highly diversified character, interspersed with clumps of trees, and containing three small ponds or tarns. The soil and character of the grass are very suitable for the formation of a golf course, and an excellent nine-hole course, extending to about 2,700 yards, has been laid out on a plan recommended by me, while room is left for ultimately extending the course to the full eighteen-holes if this should be desired. The holes are varied in character, some of them possessing natural features which form capital hazards, the putting greens are admirably situated and of ample size, while it would be difficult to surpass in beauty the surroundings which the course possesses. The mountains of Ben Cruachan, Ben Staray, and others of the Glen Etive range are prominent features in the landscape, while Loch Etive with its picturesque shores and the mountains of Mull and Lorn are seen from many points. The course, with proper attention, should be in good order for play early in the summer, and I am confident that it will prove a success and add greatly to the attractions of Taynuilt. A convenient site for a clubhouse will be found near the first teeing ground and within 200 yards of Taynuilt Railway Station and village. The following are the approximate length of the holes; First hole, 212 yards; second hole, 379 yards; third hole, 194 yards; fourth hole, 228 yards; fifth hole, 260 yards; sixth hole, 450 yards; seventh hole, 258 yards; eighth hole, 420 yards; ninth hole, 220 yards."    

In 1914 the secretary was Jas MacMillan. A 9-hole course with a membership of 55. Sunday play was not allowed. The professional from 1906 until 1910 was Allan McDougall.

An advert for the sale of the 380 acre Bonawe Estate was reported in June 1914. Included in the sale was Taynuilt Golf Course which was on the Estate.

The Bonawe Golf Club disappeared after WW1.

A revival in 1935 on a course laid out by Sandy Herd.

 

Bonawe (Taynuilt) Golf Club, Taynuilt, Argyll. Sandy Herd lays out a new nine-hole course in 1935.

From the Dundee Courier Friday 26 April 1935. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

From the Golfer's Handbook 1947; Taynuilt Golf Club; Nine-holes; Membership of 120; Secretary - W D Bertram, Nant Bank, Taynuilt.

The above was the final entry in the Golfer's Handbook for this club.

The current Taynuilt Golf Club was founded in 1987.

The Google Map below pinpoints the railway station which was half a mile from the course that appeared in the 1930s.