History of Club... |
It is generally accepted that the course was designed
by the renowned course architect, James Braid, in the early 1900’s. His
skill as a course architect are apparent from the 18 – hole layout
in terrain which might well have been beyond a lesser talent. The course
was almost
closed and returned to agricultural use in 1916 but was retained by the then
owner, Major Shelley-Bontein, as a rest and recuperation facility for service
personnel based in Oban during WWI.
The military connection exists to the present day with two of the
clubs’ trophies,
the Isis and Stokes Cups, having been presented respectively by HMS Isis and
Captain Stokes, a naval officer, stationed in Oban during WWII.
Glencruitten Estate was acquired by the MacKay family shortly after
WWI. Despite the great depression
and stock market crash of the late 1920’s, the MacKay
family retained ownership of the Estate at not inconsiderable personal cost.
The course was factored by the Estate until 1953, when control was passed to
the members, who have run the Club since. Although the Estate has recently
been disposed of in lots, ownership of the course remains with the
MacKay family from
whom it is presently leased by the Club.
