History

The game of golf had been played in Irvine since the early 1700’s over the area known as The Golffields and latterly over the Common Good area known as Irvine Moor.  The game in Irvine wasn’t formalized until Friday 18th March 1887 when thirteen like-minded men gathered for a meeting in The Kings Arms Hotel with the aim of establishing a golf club in Irvine.

The Irvine Golf Club was born and Mr. James Stewart was elected Captain and Mr. Robert Adam was appointed Secretary \Treasurer.  Mr. James Stewart who was the Factor of the Estates for Lord Eglinton approached Lord Eglinton to enquire about leasing an area of land between the railway, the racecourse the river and Bartonholm village, the permission was granted.

The course was initially laid out by the committee and was finally opened on the 11th August 1888 with a handicap competition for the President’s Prize.

Many alterations to the course took place over the next few years by purchasing land from the adjoining farms. The alterations were initially under the direction of Mr. Willie Fernie, professional at Troon Golf Club.

1900 – 1930

In July 1912 the golf club employed the services of Harold Hilton (Four times Amateur Champion and Twice Open Champion) to survey the golf course and make recommendations for any changes.

In April 1925 the club approached James Braid to inspect the course for any recommendations.  His fee of £8/8/- was accepted.  His visit was made on the 6th May 1925.  Braid’s recommendations were accepted in full.  Braid returned the following year to play a match with Sandy Herd and only made two changes to his recommendations and that was to place a bunker thirty-five yards short of the 8th and 16th greens.

The course remains almost unaltered to the present day.

Championship History

In September 1904 the golf club received a letter from Mr. RB Martin secretary of the Scottish PGA requesting that the golf club host a professional tournament on 13th – 15th October that year. The golf club agreed to the request.  Many of the leading professionals of the time took part namely Braid, Sayers, Herd, Vardon, Taylor and many others.

After three days of golf JH Taylor and H Vardon tied for first place and agreed to split the prize money receiving £15.00 each.  Vardon’s signed golf ball that he used is in the possession of the golf club.  Old Tom Morris was in attendance for the three days of the tournament.  A signed photograph with all the participants and Old Tom is displayed in the clubhouse.

The Bogside Professional Tournament was held in June 1919 and although it was only a one-day tournament all of the top eight professionals at that time were present.  Seven of them had been Open Champions.  J.H. Taylor lifted the top prize of £30.

Over the last forty years due to the excellent condition of the course and facilities the club has played host to many prestigious tournaments, namely: Final Open Qualifying, The Amateur Championship, National Championships at all levels and the Ladies Home Internationals.

Our Champions

There are few clubs in Britain who can boast three of their members have won their country’s Amateur Championship.  The Irvine Golf Club is proud to have such an honour:

Hamilton McInally – 1937, 1939, 1947

James Walker – 1961

Jack M. Cannon – 1969

All winners of the Scottish Amateur Championship

Their Scottish Amateur Championship Medals are on display in the clubhouse.

The Bogside Racecourse

Situated on the banks of the River Irvine, Bogside Racecourse was laid out on a private estate owned by the Eglinton Family.  Racing here was long inspired, sponsored and and to a great extent controlled by the Earl of Eglinton, whose cottage sttod nearby.

There is page on the site dedicated to the Racecourse, click here to be directed to it – Bogside Racecourse