Galashiels Golfclub History

Galashiels Golf Club was founded in 1884. The 9 hole course was laid out around Appletreeleaves House and along side the Ladhope Burn. In 1895 a breakaway group founded Torwoodlee Golf Club and at a special meeting Galashiels Golf Club was disbanded on the 3rd August 1897 when it was agreed that all the assets and trophies would be handed over to Torwoodlee.

Fifteen years later Galashiels Golf Club was reformed on the 21st August 1912 and the following October Mr H Roberts the proprietor of Ladhope Estate gifted the land to the people of Galashiels the area now known as Ladhope Recreation Ground.

The amenable Mr Roberts donated more land to the people of Galashiels and on the 14th July 1914 Galashiels Golf Club commenced with the development of the present 18 hole layout that was designed by James Braid.

James Braid won the inaugural British Open in 1901 and subsequently won again four times and was runner up on three occasions and all of this in the space of 10 years. Other notable clubs such as Gleneagles, Carnoustie, Royal Musselburgh, Dalmahoy and Royal Burgess were among the 200 courses designed by him. He was also a founder member and President of the PGA and was instrumental in laying the foundation of the professional game as we now know it today.

An Open Tournament sponsored to the tune of £300 by the merchants of Galashiels, was staged on the 20th & 21st May 1920, and attracted an impressive international field. With the advantage of local knowledge James Braid took the honours with Harry Vardon the runner up. We still have today the result sheets with the players Names & Scores that proudly hangs in our Clubrooms.The course has changed little throughout the intervening years, except for a major development in April 1992 when the club took over the operating control from the local Council.Changes over the past 12 years have

included a new 1st hole, some new tees and bunkers which has made the course a lot tougher. Since downsizing to 9 holes we have finally put our notorious 10th (Cardiac Hill) hole to bed for the last time which we believe was the main reason visitors took one look and left. We still have the stunning views overlooking the Town and Border Valleys but no hill to climb so why not come and give it a try.