BRODICK GOLF CLUB was founded in 1897 and is as proud today of its long history as it is of its promising future. Golf began in Brodick on a nine-hole course run by Brodick Public Hall Company Limited and designed by Jack Duncan of Glasgow. Situated in the West Mayish, high above the village, it is described in the 1898-99 Golfing Annual as having hazards of "hedges, dykes and trees", although it fails to mention the six cows with grazing rights on the course.
The shot from the 4th tee across the Rosa Burn
with Goatfell in the background
In 1913, Arran estates opened an 18-hole course on the present site. The Mayish course closed the following year, the new one, at sea level, being much more accessible. A Starter’s Hut in the Ormidale Field was the only building on the course until 1946, and the official clubhouse from 1916 until the 1930s was the present-day Chemist’s shop.
The course closed during both World Wars, re-opening in 1946 ‘under new management’. Local golfers, feeling the need for a "good-going Club", banded together, raised the necessary finances, leased the course from Arran Estates and took over the management of the Club. An ex-Army hut was erected on the site of the present, spacious Clubhouse. The patio, looking down the inviting first fairway to Goatfell, Arran’s highest mountain, is today the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or a snack.
The course, as it follows the graceful sand-fringed curve of Brodick Bay, affords splendid vistas of granite ridges to the north and gentle green hills to the south.
Brodick is mainly a links course with three new parkland holes added in 1996 when the original first three holes, sited across the road in the Ormidale playing field, were turned into a formal sports ground for rugby, football and hockey. The course is divided by two tidal burns, while ditches, woodland and whins present additional challenges. Brodick’s fairways have been played by Scottish champions, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup players. Back in the 1930s, Scottish Archery Champion George Hamilton, bow in hand, played club-wielding George Gordon, our Club Champion. The archer won – four up…!
Popular annual events include the Brodick Golf Week and the Arran Open. The Ladies have been active within the Club since its foundation in 1897, although it was not until 1931 that a separate Ladies Section was formed. A popular event, open to visitors, is the Ladies Open Day, held in mid-August.
In 1997, Brodick Golf Club’s centenary year, numerous special events and competitions were staged and a fascinating, fully-illustrated commemorative book by Jean Glen, "Brodick 1897-1997 – A Century of Golf", was published. Copies can be ordered from the Secretary or pick one up on your next visit!
