OUR STORY
Dalbeattie Golf Club is celebrating it's 125th anniversary throughout 2019
Dalbeattie Golf Club was inaugurated at a public meeting held at the Town Hall on January 29th, 1894. The chair on that occasion was occupied by the late Mr William Smith, Headmaster at Dalbeattie Public School, a gentleman who took a keen and active interest in the formation of the club.
At that meeting it was, on the motion of the Rev. Roger S. Kirkpatrick, B.D. who shortly afterwards became minister of the Parish of Govan, seconded by the Rev. James A. Paton, unanimously agreed that a club be formed.
The first course was laid out in fields on the farms of Meikle Dalbeattie and Park.
In 1901, the club secured a lease of the fields on which the present course is situated but, as noted by the Book of Dalbeattie Golf Club
published in 1912 of which only two copies are known to survive, “unfortunately, it (the club) had never possessed the necessary funds to put the course in first class condition.”
In 1902, the popularity of the game and consequent increase in membership, the course has “become inadequate and most inconvenient.”
The 9 Hole course was situated on the slope of Dalmun.
The Book noted: “So fascinating has the game of golf now become that a holiday district without a good golf course labours under a great disadvantage.”
With this in mind, the then committee realising the importance of having a first class golf course to attract visitors to the area, resolved to appeal for support to the friends of the club and others interested in the welfare of the town.
It was decided to hold a Bazaar in Dalbeattie Town Hall on Friday, October 18th, 1912, the object of which was to raise funds for a “more commodious” pavilion and to improve the golf course itself.
The Book of Dalbeattie Golf Club published in 1912 at the Stewartry Observer
offices in Dalbeattie, does not record details of how much money the Bazaar raised, but, it is believed that the fundraising efforts were successful, allowing the course to be significantly upgraded with a new clubhouse ensuring it became the pride of the town.
Dalbeattie Golf Course has been extended several times since then to become of the the most attractive parkland courses in Dumfries and Galloway.
"The view to be had from it is of a most charming and extensive character, the book declared.
"The beautiful Valley of Urr, encircled by hills and beautiful wooded uplands, opens out to the south and the Cumberland Hills and the Solway Firth.
“No matter which way the observer turns, a scene of surpassing beauty meets the eye.”
William Smith, First President.
James Little, President 1912
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