A Message from the Captain

A warm welcome to Peterhead Golf Club, set in the idyllic surroundings of Craigewan Links, the 18^th oldest golf club in the world.

With the establishment of Peterhead Golf Club in 1841 the clubs history is amongst the elite of Scotland. The current ‘Old Course’ began as a 9 hole course in 1892 on Craigewan links, designed and laid out by Willie Park Junior a dual winner of the British Open Championship. The ‘Old Course’ was extended to 18 holes in 1908 and a second 18 hole course, the ‘New Course’ was established in 1923. During the Second World War reduced resources resulted in the ‘New Course’ being neglected, however it does exist today as the 9 hole ‘New Course’.

Visitors to Craigewan Links can expect a warm welcome from both the clubhouse staff and members alike. The modern clubhouse provides all the facilities you would expect, with various catering options available on request.

The resident professional golf coach Harry Dougal, will be delighted to advise, and direct you on the challenges that await you on the course. And once on the course the panoramic views of the river Ugie, the links, and the un-spoilt sand dunes and beaches are breathtaking.

The Old Course provides a golfing challenge to golfers of all standards, and the prevailing weather conditions adds to the degree of difficulty. Once you have negotiated the “valley holes” and battled home, I would invite you to regale the events of the day whilst partaking in a small libation in either the snug bar, or the Craigewan lounge.

I wish you good luck in your golfing endeavours and hope you thoroughly enjoy your visit to Peterhead Golf Club.

Peterhead Golf Club Captain

John Arthur

For about 25 years after the move to Craigewan the only access across the river to the golf course was by ferry-boat, operated by the Club who engaged the ferry-man.

We know that one William Duthie, Well Street, Buchanhaven was appointed in 1901.

In 1894 a dispute arose between the club and Colonel Ferguson who owned the land at the town side of the river. He wanted to have control of the ferry and to engage his own ferry-man. This led to such acrimony that he threatened to withdraw permission for the Club to use the Golf Course. He even went as far as to plough up one of the greens. Fortunately a compromise was reached!

In 1915, when James Angus was ferry-man, children under 12 paid 1/2d, and all over 12 paid 1d, for a single or double journey.

In 1925 the ferry boat was disposed of and the ferry-mans's hut was removed at the side of the Clubhouse.

In 1938 season tickets for the Birnie Bridge were 5/- per annum to Golf Club members.

In 1969 a new clubhouse was opened, this clubhouse too was extended in 1978.

A new bridge was built in 1990 to replace the Birnie Memorial Bridge.

The present Clubhouse was opened in 1996 (this can be seen in the top banner).

In 1926 a shelter and tea-room were built near the 16th green. In 1927 an extension to the Clubhouse was approved, also a shop and workshop for the green keeper.

Around 1905 discussion took place as to the possibility of extending the course along the riverside or in the other direction. Professional Archie Simpson was invited to advise on this. By 1906 the Council and Feuars Managers agreed to purchase part of St Fergus Links. By 1908 the course has been extended to 18 holes.

In order to have the Club's history in perspective, it is necessary to appreciate that by 1800 there were only about 10 Golf Clubs in existence, according to the records kept by the R and A, and most of them were on the east coast of Scotland. It is known that golf was being played long before then, but it appears that it was not until the second half of the nineteenth century that golfers formed themselves into clubs. This is therefore amongst the elite in terms of longevity.