Royal Musselburgh Golf Club Celebrates its 250th Anniversary
Representatives from golf clubs throughout the UK, including most of the 'Royal' clubs, are gathering in East Lothian this week to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club. The festivities will culminate in a Gala Dinner for members and guests on Friday, July 5th.
The origins of what later became the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club are somewhat obscure. The first written evidence is a newspaper report from March 15, 1774, which mentions that the silver cup belonging to the Society of Golfers at Musselburgh was played for on Musselburgh Links the previous day. This report, along with medals attached to the cup, provides the earliest information about the club. The official crest of Royal Musselburgh Golf Club states "Instituted 1774," marking the earliest irrefutable date for its foundation.
There is also a potential earlier date of 1760, suggested by Rev. Dr. Alexander Carlyle in the 1795 Statistical Account, where he mentions that a golf club was formed in 1760 and continues to flourish. However, without independent corroboration, 1774 is recognized as the official year of institution. The Society of Golfers became Musselburgh Golf Club in 1786.
In 1876, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught became the Hon. President of the Club, a position he held until 1942. His son, H.R.H. Prince Arthur, served as Hon. Vice-President from 1912 until his death in 1938. In December 1876, the Duke of Connaught consented to the title "Royal" being appended to the club's name, making it one of the early "Royal Clubs."
Increased interest in the game led to the formation of a Green Committee in 1877, composed of representatives from four famous clubs: The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Royal Burgess, Bruntsfield Links and Royal Musselburgh.
In 1897, the Connaught Cup was handed over to the Club President, General Sir William Hope, in a ceremony attended by His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Michael of Russia.
At this time the club was still paying at Musselburgh Links and the desire to move from there first appeared in the minutes of a 1921 meeting, when a subcommittee was appointed to consider the Newhailes property as a possible site for a private course. However, its trustees refused to lease it for golf.
In 1924, the club considered two other sites, Monktonhall and Prestongrange. After professional advice, a special General Meeting empowered the Council to acquire a twenty-year lease of Prestongrange. Membership was increased to 450, with entry and subscription fees set accordingly, and lady members were admitted to a maximum of 150.
James Braid was engaged to lay out the new course, which was completed by Messrs. Hawtree and Taylor at a cost of £3,797-10s. A temporary nine-hole course was opened in May 1925, and the full course was officially opened in September 1926 by Colonel C. Crookshank, M.P. for Berwick and Haddington.
During World War II, part of the course was requisitioned by the government, and the clubhouse was used by the R.A.F. Members had to carry identification to play golf among the sheep on the remaining twelve holes. Post-war restoration was slow but successful, with membership increasing rapidly.
In the late 1940s, the club faced significant challenges, including dry rot in the clubhouse and the owner's desire to sell the property. After some negotiation, the club committed to purchasing the property but struggled to raise the necessary funds. In June 1957, a solution was reached when the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (C.I.S.W.O.) purchased the course and clubhouse. This partnership has been harmonious and successful, with C.I.S.W.O. owning the property and the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club responsible for managing the game.
As the sixth oldest golf club in the world reaches its 250th anniversary, Pam Hall has been appointed Club Captain. Pam said: "It is a huge privilege to serve as the first lady elected Captain of the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, especially as we mark our significant 250th anniversary. This milestone truly highlights our club’s tradition and the unwavering commitment of our members. I am very proud to be part of this momentous occasion and look forward to celebrating our club’s legacy.”
The club is in better health than at various points in its history. Initially an exclusive group based on social status, the club is now open to all, with membership determined by the length of the waiting list.
History Timeline
1774: The Society of Golfers at Musselburgh founded; first Old Cup played for.
1786: The Society of Golfers became Musselburgh Golf Club.
1811: First Lady Golfer competition held.
1829: Original hole cutter purchased.
1834: New set of rules issued.
1872/73: First clubhouse established at the Links.
1876: Became The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club.
1908: Merged with the New Club and moved to vacated Honourable Company Club House.
1922/24: Moved to Prestongrange, course designed by James Braid.
2024: Pamela Hall becomes to first lady to be elected Club Captain.
The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club's rich history reflects a blend of tradition, adaptation, and resilience, ensuring its legacy continues as it celebrates this significant milestone.