A Brief History
From crumbly 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 Home(s) of Golf(ers)
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
The Digestive is Invented!
Sir Alexander Grant of Forres invents the McVitie’s Digestive biscuit. His later success would bring lasting benefits to Forres and its golf course.
Forres Golf Club Est. 1889
An 18-hole course was created between Kinloss and Findhorn on the shore of Findhorn Bay. By 1899 the club was struggling financially.
Financial Woes & Tidal Flows
The Kinloss and Findhorn Golf Club formed, taking over the front 9 holes. Tidal erosion made play increasingly difficult, further adding to the club’s problems.
Muiryshade is Born
The Cluny Hill Hydropathic Hotel develops a 9-hole course named Muiryshade, designed by former Open Champion James Braid.
Celebrities in Town
An exhibition match officially opened the new course on 5th September 1904, featuring champions Harry Vardon, James Braid and Jack White.
Moving Home
Forres Golf Club agreed to move from Findhorn to Muiryshade, though members were required to give priority to hotel guests.
Tourism Hopes
Kinloss and Findhorn GC planned golf, bowling and tennis for leisure tourists. Losing members to Muiryshade proved terminal — the course closed in 1909.
New 18 Hole Course
Willie Park (1894 Open Champion) designed the expansion to 18 holes over 6,000 yards. James Braid returned in 1923 for further improvements.
A Gift to the Town
Sir Alexander Grant gifted the council funds to purchase the Forres House estate for the people. Grant Park remains one of the town’s greatest assets.
Sir Robert McVitie Grant
Sir Robert McVitie Grant purchased Muiryshade Golf Course and gifted it to the people of Forres, to be held in Common Good for the recreation of the town.
The Current Layout
An agreement was reached to build two new holes. The current 7th and 8th were created, establishing the layout played to this day.
Management Committee
The former Moray District Council agreed to devolve management of the course to a local committee of members and community appointees.
Forres Golf Club Ltd
The club established a limited company structure to better manage its long-term affairs, negotiating a long-term agreement to manage the course and facilities.
Golfing Talent
Over the years Forres Golf Club has produced some rising stars who have represented the club at national amateur and professional levels with 4 players representing Scotland.
HUGH B STUART
Victory at 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. Hugh 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.
Matty Wilson
Plays on the Tartan Tour and had a very notable win in 2024 at the North of Ireland Amateur Open.
Jeff Wright
Turned pro in 2019 and has multiple success on the Tartan Tour as well as seasons playing on the Pro Golf Tour.