Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club


	Home Catering Club History Clubhouse Contact Us Course Course Reviews Join the Club Links Location Members Area Open Comps Pro Shop Tourism Visitor Info Weather	THE MERCHANTS' STORY (1907 to 1982). PAGE 2. 1928:- The Secretary was instructed to write a diplomatic letter to the farmer regarding his shepherd running his sheep over the greens and also burying dead sheep on the course. 1931:- The club purchased a house for the head greenkeeper at 49 Balcarres Street for £170. The 13th hole was closed as the private hospital road through the course was being opened to the public. The 12th hole on the original course was along the top of Wester Craiglockhart Hill. In the early days the tee for the 13th hole was on top of Wester Craiglockhart Hill and the tee shot had to go over Glenlockhart Road, which at that time was a cul de sac. The old 13th green can still be seen near the current 14th tee. A major redesign of the course was carried out by P. Robertson, professional at Braid Hills Golf Club. 1933:- E C Hunter, a member of the youth section, captained the Scottish Boys against England. 1935:- 197 members voted for play on a Sunday with 103 against but the application was refused by the Town Council. 1936:- The legendary James Braid was paid the princely sum of £5 to make alterations to holes four to seven. Junior Member A H Nesbit was runner up in the Scottish Boy's Championship. 1937:- The hole on top of Wester Craiglockhart Hill (Crags) was closed. Over 400 people applied for the vacancy created when the clubmistress resigned. 1938:- A motion to change the name of the club to Craiglockhart Golf Club was defeated at the AGM. 1939:- The Edinburgh Inter Club Tournament was played over the Merchants and won by the home club. The greenkeeper's house was sold for £153. 1939 - 1945:- Second World War, all competitions were suspended. 1940:- A public air raid shelter was built in the car park. Members were asked to help drive the tractor as greens staff were being called up to the forces. 1941:- The 5th and 6th fairways were ploughed up on the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture for the growing of food. 1945:- Flt. Lieutenant John A. Cruickshanks, a member of the club, received a presentation in the clubhouse from local residents on the occasion of his being awarded the Victoria Cross. Possibly a unique distinction for the club as member Lt. D Stuart McGregor had been awarded the V.C. in the First World War. Photographs of these distinguished members can be seen in the clubhouse. 1946:- Junior Member A F D MacGregor was presented with a set of clubs to mark his winning of the British Boy's Championship at Bruntsfield. A player called Peter Alliss was knocked out in the semi final. A F D MacGregor represented Scotland in this year and next, captaining the team in 1947. 1947:- Sunday play at last granted but application for a Sunday licence rejected. It was agreed that the whisky allowance be increased by one glass per member on New Year's Day. 1948:- Junior Member W G Gardner won the Edinburgh Boy's Championship for the second year running and was chosen to play for Scotland. 1950:- First reference to caddy cars being used on the course. Ladies Champion Miss M Park represented Scotland. The Ladies Team won the Midlothian Ladies Shield. 1951:- The Junior Team won the first Lothians Junior Inter Club Tournament. The Ladies 'B' Team won the Morison Millar Tournament. 1952:- On Friday, 15th February the course was closed due to the death of King George VI. The Junior Team won the Lothian Junior Inter Club Tournament for the second year running. 1954:- Junior Member Miss M Scott won the Edinburgh Girls' Tournament for the second time. The Ladies 'A' Team won the Morison Millar Tournament. R Auchterlonie from St. Andrews became the club professional. 1957:- 50th Anniversary of the Club. Both Gents and Ladies Teams won their Inter Club Tournaments. PAGE 1. TOP OF PAGE 2. PAGE 3. Page Last Changed on 07/04/04.