Golf Courses Highlands Scotland: A golfer's paradise

A Brief History

From crumbling biscuits to the crumbling shore of Findhorn Bay! The timeline below plots the key moments in the evolution of Forres Golf Club. However, golf has been mentioned in these parts for quite some time before the late 1800s when FGC was established…

The Homes of Golfers

From Scottish Golf History we learn something of the local pastimes in the 1600s. While Musselburgh and others debate about who is the oldest recognised course (Musselburgh est. in 1672), we know the game was played in Scotland much earlier.

And not to be outdone by Musselburgh, also in 1672 we learn that golf was played locally. Alexander Brodie of Brodie (just West of the town) mentions drinking the healing water at ‘Burgi’ (Burgie House, just East of the town) with Mr Colin Falconer, the Minister of Forres. Afterwards according to the diary of Brodie, they took physical exercise in a game of golf.

Today, while the golf venue may have moved around, Burgie and the water source still exist, with the water believed to be the same as used today at Glenburgie Distillery to make the Uisge Beatha (literally the ‘Water of Life’), in the form of Glenburgie Single Malts and Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky.

Image of Brodie Castle from Live Breathe Scotland

Golfing with the Minister

“This day I returnd to the well at Riuus to drink water; and desiring to use it as a means throgh His blessing to prevent the diseas which I am subject unto of the stone. … I was this night at Burgi. Mr. Colin Falconer drank with me, and we recreated the bodi by pastim at golf.”

From an extract of Alexander Brodie’s Diary, who was suffering from Gallstones from the sound of it!

Image of Burgie House from Burgie

Forres Golf Club Est 1889 – A Brief History

1882

The Digestive is Invented!

In 1882 Sir Alexander Grant of Forres invents the McVitie’s Digestive. (Perhaps not the first thing you expect to read when looking at a golf club timeline, but it is significant. Read on!)

1889

Forres Golf Club (est 1889)

The origins of the club are found at the 18 hole course created between Kinloss and Findhorn with the club established in 1889. The course was situated on prime land along the shore of Findhorn Bay. However, the early years were not easy and by 1899 the club were struggling financially.

1901

Financial Woes & Tidal Flows

By 1901 a new club, Kinloss and Findhorn Golf Club had been created. They took over the front 9 holes of the course from the struggling Forres Club. Existing Forres GC members were offered to continue playing the full 18. However problems with tidal erosion meant that play was often difficult on this course, further adding to the problems.

1903

Muiryshade is Born

The Cluny Hill Hydropathic Hotel, celebrating over 50 years in existence, adds more facilities to the original hotel. Included in the developments are a 9-hole golf course which they named Muiryshade Golf Course. The architect and designer of the course is former Open Champion James Braid.

1904

Celebrities in Town

An exhibition match to officially open the new course was held on September 5th 1904 . The players were former British Open champion’s Harry Vardon and James Braid, the recent 1903 Open Champion Jack White and Joseph Dalgleish the professional for the Cluny Hill Hydropathic Hotel.

1904

Moving Home

Due to the situation in Findhorn, Forres Golf Club agree a move from their original home to the new course at Muiryshade. They are granted limited times for members to play golf, as the Cluny Hill Hydropathic Hotel owners need to give priority to hotel guests.

1904

Tourism Hopes

By 1904 plans were being made at Kinloss and Findhorn Golf Club to capitalise on leisure tourism by providing golf, bowling and tennis in and around the village. However with the loss of so many players to the new course, the Kinloss and Findhorn course becomes less viable. In 1909 the course is closed.

Later two further courses were opened in Findhorn. The first was a private course for residents of Findhorn Bay (Culbin) Hotel in 1904. Later still in 1926 a nine hole course was created running behind (East of) the village where the current Findhorn Sands caravan park lies all the way to the entrance to Dunes Road.

1912

New 18 Hole Course

With golf growing in popularity at Muiryshade Willie Park (1894 Open Champion) is brought in to design the transition to an extended 18-hole golf course measuring over 6000 yards.

Then in 1923 James Braid was again commissioned to make further improvements.

1924

A Gift to the Town

Sir Alexander Grant has moved on up since his days in the Edinburgh bakery of McVitie’s. In 1911 he became the joint owner and Managing Director of the same company and it continued to grow significantly. With his success, Sir Alexander Grant becomes well known for his philanthropy throughout Scotland and particularly around Moray and Nairn. Sir Alexander is associated with funding the development and build of the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.

In 1924 Sir Alexander gifted the local council the money to purchase the Forres House estate so that it could be converted to a public space and gifted to the people of the town. The large natural arena has since been used for recreation and major events. Named after Sir Alexandr, Grant Park is one of the towns greatest assets.

1945

https://www.forgottengreens.com/forgotten-greens/morayshire-advie/cluny-hill/

Sir Robert McVitie Grant

Following in his fathers traditions Sir Robert McVitie Grant of Logie buys Muiryshade Golf Course from the Cluny Hill Hydropathic Hotel. He gifts the course to the people of Forres with the land to be held in Common Good for the recreation of the people of the town.

1965

The Current Layout

An agreement is made to build two new holes. The current 7th & 8th holes are created and the layout of the course changes to what we are playing today. The retiring holes become the practice area.

1995

Management Committee

In 1995 the former Moray District Council agreed to devolve management of the course to a local committee made up of members and local appointees.

2019

Limited Company

In a desire to better manage the long term affairs of the club and golf course the Club created a limited company and negotiated a long term agreement to manage the course and facilities.

Thanks

Some historical information with thanks to Forgotten Greens and local accounts. Images in the storyline are pulled in from various sources.

Golfing Talent

Over the years Forres Golf Club has produced some rising stars who have represented the club at national amateur and professional levels.

HUGH B STUART

The Walker Cup

Hugh B Stuart is the Honorary Vice-President and former Captain of Murcar Links in Aberdeen. Hugh has enjoyed an incredible career as an amateur golfer since his formative years in Forres and has represented club and country three times in the Walker Cup, including a winning appearance at St Andrew’s in 1971 where he bagged a victory in foursomes against Lanny Wadkins and won all three of his matches. Hugh has also represented Scotland at many amateur competitions and won the Scottish Amateur Championship in 1972 before qualifying for The Open at Troon in 1973.

Images and back story ‘The Greatest Upset. 50 years on…’ Golf Digest

Stuart, 2nd from right, back row, with his team that would achieve “the greatest upset in Walker Cup history”.

Other notable members have made an impact at national level as amateur and professional golfers.

Bryan Fotheringham

Has represented Scotland and achieved success in many amateur competitions locally and at a national level.

Jeff Wright

Turned pro in 2019 and has multiple success on the Tartan Tour as well as seasons playing on the Pro Golf Tour.

Matty Wilson

Plays on the Tartan Tour and had a very notable win in 2024 at the North of Ireland Amateur Open.

Director

Information coming soon.

Minutes of Executive Meetings are posted on the Clubhouse notice boards.