Golf has been played on the links of Montrose for more than four hundred years making it one of the very earliest and important venues in the history of the Royal and Ancient game. James Melvill is credited for recording the existence of golf at Montrose as early as 1562. It was not until 1810, however, that the golfers of Montrose formed themselves into a club.
The Royal Albert Club, founded in 1810, ranks among the top ten oldest clubs in the world and had a close association with Royal Blackheath. By the beginning of last century there was a proliferation of clubs and clubhouses but as a result of amalgamation over the years three now remain - The Royal Montrose Golf Club, Montrose Mercantile Golf Club and the Montrose Caledonia Golf Club.
The courses are now run by Montrose Golf Links Limited who administers the Medal Course and the 18-hole auxiliary Broomfield Course which was laid out in the 1920s.
To honour the centenary of the Broomfield Course each of the Holes was given a name in honour of people who contributed to the history of the course Hole 3 - Alex H Findlay - a native of Montrose who has been called "The Father of American Golf". He was one of its first professionals and possibly its first golf course architect. Hole 16 - SL Christie - was the Burgh Surveyor who drew up the plans for the 9 hole auxiliary course. Hole 18 - James Melvill - the young Montrose lad credited for the existence of golf in Montrose.
The Medal Course at Montrose is a majestic layout in the true traditions of Scottish Links golf and has hosted many important events in its history including the Scottish Professional Championship in 1967 and 1970, the Scottish Amateur Championship in 1975 and the British Boys' Championship and Internationals in 1991.
Because of all these factors the Links was honoured by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in being chosen as a Final Qualifying Course for the Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1999 and again in 2007.
In addition to the Medal Course Montrose can boast a second 18 hole Golf Course (Broomfield), maintained to the same high standard.
Originally a 9 hole course but extended to 18 holes in 1915, the Broomfield offers families, juniors and beginners the opportunity to enjoy golf on the Links at Montrose. Because of the flat nature of the Course walking is easy making it ideal for parties looking to play 36 holes in a day or to perfect your game before taking on the challenge of the Medal Course in the afternoon.
The Broomfield Course does not require long carries from the tee, but to find the small greens accurate approach shots are a must. Take time out to visit this hidden gem. We can promise that you will have a most enjoyable day.
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