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.
