Buchanan Castle 2011

Buchanan Castle Golf Club D rymen , G lasgow 1936-2011

75th

Anniversary

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Buchanan Castle Golf Club D rymen , G lasgow

Contents Welcome.......................................................... 5 History of The Club and Clubhouse............... 6 Captain’s Report............................................. 8 Coaching For All Seasons............................ 12 A Wee Note From The Ladies Captain.......... 13 Memorial - John W Will................................ 14 The Disputed Origin of the Vuvuzela............ 16 Caddies - From The Archives........................ 19

Visitors Perspective....................................... 20 The Professional’s View................................ 24 A Word From The General Manager............ 26 A Visit From Paul Lawrie............................. 28 Wild Flowers & Fungi.................................. 29 Trophy Winners 2011.................................... 35 Past Captains................................................ 36 Past Ladies Captains.................................... 37

Four Castles Victory!.................................... 38 Matches, Competitions & Medals................. 40 Buchanan Ditties........................................... 42

Acknowledgements - The Editors would like to thank all members who have contributed to the production of the yearbook.

Special thanks to Miller Hatton and Andrew Syme for their help with the photography and to Tom Renfrew for his article on the golf course flora.

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Welcome

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elcome to the 75th Anniversary edition of the Buchanan Castle Golf Club Yearbook.

The Montrose family continue to develop Buchanan Castle into one of the leading Scottish Golf Clubs and 2011 has been particularly special with additional facilities and events to mark the Club’s 75th Anniversary.

Opened in May 1936 by my Grandfather, the 6th Duke of Montrose, the course is steeped in history and set in the most picturesque heart of Scotland. The course and landscape continue to inspire and delight members and visitors.

I am proud to know that the course is appreciated by golfers from all over the world and look forward to maintaining and building on our reputation in the future.

A warm welcome awaits you.

The Duke of Montrose

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Title of The Club and Clubhouse History Sub Anniversary – 16th May 2011 75th

Professor David Purdie

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uchanan Castle Golf Club is not the oldest Scottish Golf Club, but there can be few with a background so rich in history.

Buchanan House – on the site of which the present clubhouse was built – had an ancient and romantic past even before the 3rd Marquis of Graham bought it in the latter part of the 17th Century.

The Graham mansion and estate at Montrose in the East of Scotland had been destroyed in 1640 by order of the Duke of Argyll. The family were searching for a new home at the time of the death of John Buchanan of that Ilk – and it is not hard to imagine that the Marquis found the setting of Buchanan House as beautiful as it is today.

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About 1724 the Montrose family rebuilt a large part of the house – with a long façade thought to be about 230 ft – with a central block and flanking wings all three storeys high.

At that time the Estate itself was like a small village with employees ranging from house staff to a vast outdoor army of foresters, gamekeepers, coachmen, masons and blacksmiths.

Of great importance were the grooms the jockey and the stable lads. The 4th Duke of Montrose was keenly involved in the breeding and training of race horses. It was a passion shared by the daughter of the 2nd Baron of Decies whom he married. When the Duke died, she married William Stuart Stirling Crawfurd a rich Glasgow iron master who was equally keen on racing. The Duchess, who could not be known on the turf by her own name, adopted her late husband’s pseudonym of ‘Mr. Manton’. There were several successful horses like Dazzle and Raeberry (now names of holes on the golf course) but the biggest triumph was Harry Constable’s ride to victory on Sefton in the Derby of 1878. The faded racing silks of Fred Archer who also rode for the Montrose stables are framed and hung in the clubhouse.

Sadly, all the bright social life and the bustling family activity at Buchanan House came to a sudden end. On a December night in 1852 while the family were in London for Christmas, the Mansion of Buchanan was burned down.

Much was lost.

Of the original Buchanan House – on the site of which the present clubhouse was built, little remains apart from the service wings and at the west corner of the clubhouse the remains of a rectangular building are seen with tall, round-headed windows.

The area where the horses were trained was transformed into the James Braid designed golf course and was officially opened on 16th May 1936 by the His grace James the Duke of Montrose at a ceremony attended by James Braid. A copy of Braid’s score card on that day is displayed in the clubhouse and his creditable score of 75 (one under par at that time) at the age of 66 showed that he was still a first class golfer.

In more recent years, the course and clubhouse have been transformed.

While the refurbished clubhouse still retains the historic link, the course itself has seen significant improvements.

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Club, the new 1st Tee has been built and has been well received. On the 16th May the Club presented the Royal Regiment of Scotland with a Pipe Banner to mark the occasion at a reception held in the clubhouse. In addition a new flag was commissioned with the Club’s colours.

At the same event, Professor David Purdie, the well known golfing raconteur, toasted the Club with a sparkling, witty and informed series of sporting anecdotes. We hope to see David back again at the Club in the not too distant future and to hear more of his humorous slant on golfing life.

With all the developments we have seen, particularly in recent years, we can look forward with some anticipation to see how the Club will continue to develop over the coming years.

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Captain’s Report

uch has been the quality of the Course this year it has taken some cajoling and downright bullying to get me to sit down and write this report as I have taken every opportunity to play! It is a huge privilege to be Captain in this the year of our 75th Anniversary. I hope that all of you will have good memories of 2011.

Ronnie Myles and his staff have prepared the Course in outstanding condition especially bearing in mind the work that was required to overcome the damage caused by another very severe winter and a wind storm that brought down over forty trees. We have had many compliments from members and visitors alike, long may that continue! The turf iron purchased last year has helped Ronnie and his team to speed up the greens and the fairways are in fantastic condition. The drainage work carried out over the past few years has proved to be very effective and the next area receiving attention is the renovation of the Bunkers and the provision of consistent sand throughout. This is an expensive project and will be ongoing over the next few years.

I believe we all enjoy playing from the new 1st tee, especially the Ladies, most of whom prefer it to their old “postage stamp.” The driving range has proved very popular and this coupled with our extensive practice areas and the Academy Course gives Buchanan a very extensive offering at a time when Clubs are struggling to attract new members.

The Pro Am proved a great success, being played on 14th May with 35 teams taking part.

It was fitting that Jason McCreadie was the winning Professional. Charles Dernie, our Professional at the time of the 50th Anniversary also played in the event. The Pro Am generated a decent surplus which has been donated to the Common Good Fund and the Tombola raised over £800 which was donated to Bobath Scotland, an organisation which helps children with Cerebral Palsy.

The Anniversary week in May proved to be a great success. Pretty much a full field played in the Texas Scramble on the anniversary day itself and several other events marked the week culminating in the Grand Match on that Saturday. Although the Match itself had to be cut short because of rain, that rare phenomenon in the West Coast of Scotland, those that remained had a very good evening’s entertainment. The Charity Bunker event which ran all that week together with donations received during the Casino Night, held earlier in the year, meant that we were able to donate £500 to Help for Heroes. Many thanks to all who contributed.

As Buchanan Castle is a James Braid designed Course it seemed fitting to hold a Braid Invitational Day which took place on 23rd July. Some 15 fellow Braid courses took part with Cawder running out as overall winners on the day. On the James Braid theme, I would remind you all that Buchanan members have the right to play a very large number of Courses around the UK at member guest rates. A full list of the venues available to you is attached to the main notice board in the Clubhouse.

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This magnificent claret jug was presented to Buchanan Castle by the Members of Dunblane New to commemorate our 75th Anniversary. It is much appreciated and demonstrates the close friendship which exists between the two Clubs.

The Four Castles Match took place on 24th July at Haggs Castle. I am very pleased to report that Buchanan successfully defended the trophy which was won at Buchanan last year. Well done to all who played that day and I am delighted to see the Trophy is back on proud display in the cabinet!

Word of the renaissance at Buchanan Castle is spreading, so much so, that we have been asked by the Scottish Golf Union to host the Scottish Boys & Girls Under 14 Stroke Play Championships in August next year. This is an excellent accolade for the Club.

Currently we are reorganising the Committee structure to make sure that it is fit to manage and promote the best interests of the members going forward. Full Committee will continue to meet, but on a less frequent basis. A new Council of Convenors will meet on a monthly basis, and will consist of Captain, Vice Captain, Ladies Captain, Ladies Vice Captain, General Manager, Golfing Convenor, General Purposes Convenor and Administration Convenor. The Golfing Convenor will have responsibility for all on-course affairs including Match and Handicap, Greens and Tournaments. The General Purposes Convenor will be responsible for House, Events, Functions and Match Liason. The Administration Convenor will work closely with the Council of Convenors and full Committee to ensure that the Committee affairs are reliably documented and archived and that everyone concerned knows what to do and when.

The Liaison Committee will continue to meet with the Estate.

It is important that we work closely with Montrose Estates and actively help to promote and improve Buchanan Castle Golf Club. To facilitate this, it is anticipated, going forward, that the Captains and Vice Captains may serve, if they are agreeable, for a two year term and will be encouraged to stand for re-election following their first year in office.

We are always looking for volunteers, should you be interested in assisting with any aspect of Club life please speak to me or any of the Committee. All new talent will be very welcome!

In closing I want to pay tribute to all who work hard to make things happen at Buchanan. A relatively small number of people put in a great deal of time and energy and their work and support is much appreciated. Thanks to each of you.

I paid tribute at the time to Marshall Falconer, our Greens Convenor and a Past Captain who passed away on 1st July. Marshall cared very much about this Club, he made a significant contribution over the years and I want to say here that he is greatly missed.

Much has been achieved, particularly in the last few years, and I believe we now benefit from membership of one of the very best Clubs in our part of Scotland.

John Shaftoe Captain 9

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Coaching For All Seasons

“Buchanan Castle Golf Club Head PGA Professional Keith Baxter and PGA Assistants Jonathan Holmes and James Clive are on hand to offer advice on equipment and coaching. The golf shop has a full range of products to cover all your golfing requirements.

We currently stock Cleveland and Yonex golf equipment and we work to ensure there is a range of clubs stocked to suit all levels of ability. With the addition of the new Driving Range, custom fitting has become easier and more accessible to you. We cannot stress enough how important custom fitting is to your golf game. Buying standard clubs off the shelf, as far as we are concerned, should be a thing of the past. We carry only display sets of irons for customers to see the make-up of the set. If you want to find out more about custom fitting and what is involved, please email, call or stop by the Pro-shop and we will run you through the process.

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The Golf Academy is also utilised for coaching throughout the 12 months of the year. A new part of the coaching resources used at the Golf Academy is the GASP video analysis software (received as the best on the market) which assists with providing a comprehensive coaching service. Both Keith & Jonathan offer the following lesson Packages: • Individual 30 min Lessons • 45 min video analysis • 4 hole on course lesson • 9 hole playing lesson We currently have a an excellent lesson promotion running from the 1st of October 2011 to the 1st of March 2012.

For £100 we will provide UNLIMITED lessons to you throughout the 6 months.

This is the most comprehensive lesson package we have ever done!

Included in the Winter Lesson Package: • Video Analysis using GASP software • Full Swing • Short Game • Putting • On course tuition We also participate in the Clubgolf coaching programme which is the national junior coaching programme for Scotland. Children from the age of 6 can take part in our after school classes that run throughout the year.

The Golf shop staff will deal with your starting times and any hire equipment you may need to enjoy your game”.

A Wee Note From The Ladies Captain

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e have had a very busy year so far, the highlight being the Buchanan Castle 75th Anniversary Week in May, with something for everyone – the Ladies had an Anniversary Waltz on the Tuesday which was fun and enjoyed by all. We played from the new 1st. Tee which all thought excellent.

The Ladies’ Section holds medals and various other competitions on Tuesdays and for the business ladies have Sunday medals. In addition there is also an informal Friday game in which anyone can join.

With regard to Team Matches we participate in the Harper Kennedy league and have friendly matches with other Clubs.

There are, of course, mixed events – the Elder McLean, Texas Scramble and Coronation Salver.

In February we have a Ladies’ fundraising event – 12 holes of golf, Bridge and Whist.

The following are some of the Ladies’ Social events:In February Helen Faulds was our speaker. Helen is Captain of the Scottish Seniors Team for the Home Internationals and also Vice-Captain of the “Vets”. Her talk “A humorous look at golf ” was enjoyed by all.

On November 8th there will be 12 holes of golf followed by lunch and a display of an amazing collection of designer handbags by Sheila McCrossan – modelled by one of our own members.

There will be a Christmas Lunch in December – traditional food and carols.

Anne Crawford Ladies Captain

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John W Mill Memorial

John W Mill, born on the 26th July 1919 and a member

of Buchanan Castle Golf Club since it’s inception, sadly passed away the week before the Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

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s far as we are aware John had been a member longer than anyone else and it is appropriate to feature him in this 75th Anniversary book. Along with his wife Grace he was one of the clubs few Life Members having paid their Annual Subscriptions in full and in advance way back in 1951.

John was however no “ordinary” member. His golfing talents surpassed most of us, as can be evidenced by his numerous awards of Medal Spoons, Trophies, and Cups.

In his heyday John was a ”scratch golfer” and in 1953 and 1954 was picked to play in the SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL TEAM. .He was twice a winner of the “Tennant Cup” which is played for at Glasgow Golf Club over 36 holes and is only open to Amateur Gentlemen Golfers with handicaps of 3 or less. He was Buchanan Castles’ club champion in 1952,1953 and again 10 years later in 1963.He was also club Champion at Western Gailes Golf Club in 1952.(He gave up his membership of Western Gailes as in his own words “couldn’t afford two golf courses and a wife”)He was Junior Champion at Douglas Park prior to his father enrolling him as a member of Buchanan. He also played for the 51st(Highland) division beating the 15th(Scottish) division by one hole at Falkenstein Golf Club in Germany at the end of World War Two. – All in all a remarkable record for an amateur golfer. He played on a regular basis with his pals Duncan Cameron and the famous Eric Brown with whom he partnered in many Pro-Ams. It is rumoured that Eric used to supplement his income as Buchanan’s professional by taking money from John each week in their “friendly” bounce games.

It was however not all plain sailing(more about that noted below) for John in the early years of his golfing career because as a young 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps , he was posted to Africa to fight and supply the troops with ammunition, petrol and vehicle supplies, during the Second World War. He was involved in the battle of Alamein and Tobruk and came under enemy fire on more than a few occasions.

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An extract from Johns war diary dated Wednesday 19th Aug 1942 (on receiving a letter from his father that his grandmother was nearing the end of her life and how he felt at that particular time dug into a trench in the desert).

“The end will soon be in sight and what will it bring? well ,as far as I am concerned it all remains to be seen. Perhaps that is the great joy of living this life, the uncertainty of it all and then the great satisfaction when uncertainty has been overcome and turned into reality” Promoted to Captain by this time, he was out of Africa and then into Sicily through Italy and then to France where his war, and life, nearly ended when he was badly injured in the head by shrapnel. He fortunately recovered and returned to the fray in France despite the fact that he could have remained at home due to his injury, and eventually saw out the remainder of the war in Germany.

In his later life he was very well known in yachting circles owning the very familiar 60ft Bermudan Sloop “Eilidh” which was built in the Clyde by Milne the boatbuilders. In the Clyde Cruising Club’s Blue Water race to Brest in France it was John and “Eilidh”who won in record time. In 1983 as Raftmaster and Past Commodore of the Clyde Cruising Club it was John, who despite bad weather, assembled 193 yachts to create a world record Sunflower Raft in Loch Drumbuie ( a marvellous feat repeated by John’s son Alastair in 2003).

A remarkable career and man and is now followed into the club by his daughter in law Pat, son in law David Scott (who coaches our youngsters) and grandchildren Douglas Mill and Tricia Scott.

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The Disputed Origin of the Vuvuzela™

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he origin of the VUVUZELA is disputed. Controversies over the invention arose in 2010 when South African Kaiser Chiefs fan Freddie “Saddam” Maake claimed the invention of the VUVUZELA by fabricating an aluminium version in 1965 from a bycyle horn. Apparently he has photographic evidence of himself holding the aluminium Vuvuzela in the 1970’s.He also claimed to have coined “Vuvuzela” from the Zulu for “welcome,”unite” and “celebration”. This may or may not be true, but what is undisputed is the well known fact (well perhaps not well known but nevertheless) that Buchanan Castle has unquestionable evidence that the forerunner and template model for the Vuvuzela has it’s origins firmly established here at Buchanan Castle Golf Club.

Standing tall and true and holding in perfect style is our very own “ The Watchman” with proof that the Vuvuzela originated at Buchanan. Many thanks go to Past Captain James Bradley(1990/91) for being responsible in rescuing our fabulous “Watchman” and erecting him to stand proudly atop the cairn on the lawn.It is also an undisputed fact that our very own member and golfer of undisputed talent, Bobby Low, owns the trademark to the name Vuvuzela. This, believe it or not, is actually true.

For those of you unfamiliar with origins of our “Watchman” he stood at the highest turret above the front door of BUCHANAN CASTLE and was then removed and for a time stood outside the Tulliebardine Distillery in Blackford. He was brought back to Buchanan and after a period of “rest” was rescued and renovated and placed on the lawn where he stands to this day holding pride of place on the lawn.

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Caddies

From the Archives

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hilst delving through the Golf Clubs archived records I came across a note which referred to “Bye Laws� affecting Caddies. Reproduced word for word...

Bye-Laws affecting Caddies

Tickets Players will engage their Caddies through the Caddie Master, who shall furnish the players with a ticket available for one round. A new ticket will be taken out at the beginning of a each round. Caddies must clean the clubs before returning them to the players. Caddies shall receive from the players a ticket at the end of each round which shall in turn be handed to the Caddie Master.

Offences Any Caddie using bad language, refusing to carry clubs when called upon by the Caddie Master, canvassing for employment, loitering outside the club premises, demanding more than what is allowed him by his carrying ticket, or misconducting himself, or begging, may be dealt with by the committee as they see fit.

Poaching Caddies are expressly prohibited from :Poaching, or in any way interfering with game, rabbits or sheep on the course or of the adjoining lands, or doing injury to the property of the club Entering the Club House or loitering near the door thereof.

Replacing Turf Caddies must at once carefully replace any turf cut or displaced by the members for whom they are carrying, and press firmly down with the foot. Members shall be responsible for the conduct of the Caddies employed by them, and by the visitors whom they may introduce, while on the course.

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Visitors Perspective Alison Walker

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ongratulations to Buchanan Castle Golf club and everyone associated with it, on this, their 75th anniversary from a great admirer of the club!

I have worked at many golf tournaments at various locations during my years working in sport at the BBC and I have played at one or two courses as well but the welcome I receive at Buchanan Castle is second to none. If only more golf clubs followed the Buchanan Castle philosophy. The course is testing for me definitely, but fair – and in such magnificent setting you cannot fail to enjoy your time out on the fairways.

Well done Mr James Braid.

I do like a fairly flat golf course – I don’t really do hills. I see from the history of the club that the area was originally used as a race track and for gallops so hence the flatness. It must’ve been quite a sight all those years ago watching the thoroughbreds be put through their paces on the Estate. Horse racing was hugely popular then and still is.

but so much has changed since then and thank goodness it has.

As a Sport journalist and presenter this all made me think about what other sports folk followed or big events that were happening seventy five years ago – 1936 - the year that Buchanan Castle golf club was founded.

Back home some things haven’t changed.

The Old Firm dominated Scottish football then too. Celtic won the Scottish League title in 1936 – Rangers were second with Aberdeen – and interestingly, they played in a 20 team division. Scottish football is still trying to get the correct size of league. Maybe going back to that 20 team division wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

There was, of course, the controversial Berlin Olympic Games – the Jesse Owens games – where he won four gold medals. Stating the obvious I know,

Yes, some things definitely haven’t changed – yet. Fred Perry won Wimbledon in 1936. The long wait for another British name on that famous

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trophy continues. Andy Murray is getting closer and I am convinced he will do it – just a question of when.

It was also a year that brought Jim Clark – the brilliant F1 driver - into the world – sadly not for long enough – nor long enough for England and Manchester United footballer Duncan Edwards.

However, Buchanan Castle Golf club, born 75 years ago, marches on and here’s to the next 75. Wonder what sports stories they’ll be talking about then in … 2086!

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Yearbook 2011

The Professional’s View

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t was Monday 18th January 1993. The rain was heavy and the River Endrick had burst its banks. I had never seen as much water where it shouldn’t be. This was my first day as Professional at Buchanan Castle Golf Club. I was thinking, what have I done! That week was very quiet but at least it gave us the chance to install shopfittings without too much disruption.

People’s perception of the club seemed to be that it was a bit exclusive and that the membership were a bit snooty. I can honestly say that right from the start this was not the case. The membership have always been great and given me great support over the years.

Back then you could not play Buchanan as a casual visitor unless you were resident more than 100 miles away. Think of how many courses you would not be allowed to play if that was the rule at every club.

I also remember vividly the change in dress code to allow Gents to wear short socks with shorts. I can’t believe nobody had challenged on the grounds of sex discrimination as the Ladies had been able to do that for years. We often had golfers in fits of laughter as they had to pull on their long white socks on 24

the seat outside the shop. I am sure this was their main topic of conversation when they were asked later about their visit to Buchanan. I had one member who said “There should be a rule saying that you can’t wear these!”

I always thought that Buchanan Castle had great potential and in recent years that has certainly come to fruition. As other clubs started to struggle, Montrose Estates took the decision to invest in the future and we now have the best facilities in the area by far. The introduction of the Driving Range along with the Academy Course has really given us the opportunity to nurture new golfers to become potential members. Also investment in drainage systems and the Golf Course itself is paying off as it is looked upon as being in great condition with really good greens.

Over the years we have come across some funny moments and unusual requests. We are frequently asked to predict the weather sometimes days in advance, even the BBC and all their technology can’t do that!

People must have very tight time schedules as a request for a 1pm starting time is often accompanied by utter dismay when only 12.53pm or 1.07pm are available.

We are also the centre for rules enquiries and it is quite amazing how many simple rules are either not known or misinterpreted. I am sad to say that sometimes the wrong deduction is made by someone who has been playing for a long time. One of the funniest I heard of was when a Lady relatively new to the game ended up in a puddle. She asked her more experienced player what to do. After placing her foot in the puddle the more experienced player said “I am sorry but you will have to play the ball as it lies. You may only get relief if the water is up to, over and into your shoes!�

SLIGHT MISINTERPRETATION. I do believe that we are privileged to be part of Buchanan Castle and its history. If someone said to me it would be the only course you could play for the rest of your life, I would not complain too much.

Keith 25

A Word From The General Manager - Janet Dawson

F

or years golfers have had to deal with the ‘ climate’ in a different way, trying to get ties played and competitions completed with seasonal climatic differences and global warming causing havoc on the course. Now the seasons seem to be merging - Spring and Summer can be as wet as Winter – crisp Winter days now seem to be replaced with a battle against the elements.

We now have a different ‘climate’ to battle with – the economic climate.

As with all Golf Clubs, there is a constant ‘ebb and flow’ of members throughout the year, with resignations for one reason or another, and new members joining to replace lost membership.

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In today’s hard economic climate, we can’t just sit back and wait for new members to knock on our door – we need to encourage new members to join by offering them new opportunities and good quality services. Importantly, we also need this provision to satisfy and keep the current members at the Club.

The Estate in conjunction with the management committee has addressed this by improvements both on the course and in the clubhouse.

Montrose Estates has invested heavily with the refurbishment of the lounge and bar areas, excellent catering, course improvement programmes, our coveted 10-bay driving range, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the Club.

Janet Dawson General Manager

The 10-bay Driving Range and Academy Course has provided a unique golfing opportunity for beginners and ‘seasoned’ golfers alike. Academy Membership is proving popular with both adults and children alike creating the basis for families to enjoy golf together. A tremendous amount of work is being carried out by the Estate to improve the quality of membership facilities at Buchanan.

Over the past few years Ronnie Myles and the Greens Staff have worked extremely hard to improve the Course and the hard work and investment is beginning to pay off.

Buchanan Castle Golf Club Management Committee has introduced more Open Competitions for Ladies and Gentlemen and the social calendar continues to develop throughout the year.

In April former Open Champion Paul Lawrie held a junior coaching clinic at Buchanan – passing on his skills to the future generation.

Paul commented “there aren’t many better facilities in Scotland than they have here at Buchanan Castle. The team here have worked extremely hard and it’s paying off – they have fantastic facilities.”

Junior members are important for the future of the Club and our Junior Section is going from strength to strength.

Junior events are being held during the year, in partnership with Clubgolf and local schools and are proving to be very successful. More youngsters are attending the various Coaching Sessions under the guidance of Keith Baxter

and Jonathan Holmes, ably assisted by Buchanan’s Clubgolf Volunteers.

Buchanan Castle is delighted to have been asked to host the Scottish Boys & Girls Under 14 Open Stroke Play Championships in August 2012 and we have agreed to accommodate them.

Drymen Bowling Club also held their 75th Anniversary in 2011 and we were delighted to host reciprocal ‘games’ – an event enjoyed by all who participated.

It is scheduled that the reciprocal arrangement will continue in future years and assist in forging relationships with other local sports clubs.

The local Petanque Club also hosted an afternoon at Buchanan – and with a glass of wine to encourage play – a good time was had by all!

There has never been a better time to join Buchanan Castle Golf Club or indeed, to hold a golf day or corporate event.

For those who do not play golf – Clubhouse Membership is also available allowing you to make use of the superb catering facilities and join in the social events, or just relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The Clubhouse is the ideal venue for special occasions with menus and arrangements tailored to your specific requirements.

I would like to thank all those involved in compiling our 75th Anniversary Year Book, especially the advertisers who’s contribution is gratefully received. I would ask our membership to support those who support us.

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A Visit from Paul Lawrie

Over a relatively short period of time our Junior Membership category has quadrupled from 20 members to over 80 and earlier this year, on Thursday 21st April, a large number of them turned up to meet and listen to Paul Lawrie, when the Club was privileged to host a visit from him.

Paul spent a considerable amount of time with our Juniors discussing the strategic, planning and mental aspects of the game rather than teaching the pure technical mechanics.

He focused on how to practice and emphasised that the scoring skills of chipping, pitching and putting were where the major effort should be put when practising. He underlined the importance of this by telling us that, when not on tour, he, himself, puts in 3-4 hours every day honing these key elements. His demonstration of the importance of rhythm as a key feature of any good golf swing had many trying out his ideas there and then. He demonstrated how he swings every club with exactly the same rhythm and that he only varies the speed around the impact area, making many envious of his ability when he demonstrated how to hit a drive of well over 300 yards with seemingly no effort at all!

Away from the tour, Paul spends time with his sponsors and very importantly with his foundation which provides very strong support for developing golf and other sports in the North East of Scotland. This made us all at Buchanan doubly appreciative of the time that he gave to talking to us.

All in all, a thoroughly entertaining, informative and enjoyable day for all who attended with many very valuable lessons learned - not just by the Juniors but also by many of the more senior members who turned up as well!

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The Wild Flowers and Fungi of Buchanan Castle Golf Club

B

uchanan Castle Golf Club is noted for its scenic backdrop,its tranquillity,the large trees Braid made good use of in his course design and the condition of the course.

Visitors often comment on the planted flowers around the clubhouse and the approach to the first tee.

The shrubs near the 8th green are noticeably attractive in spring and early summer and on a fine summer’s day there are few better places to walk about with golf clubs.

A more hidden attraction is the very many wild flowers and fungi that are found on and around the course.

More difficult to see if you stay on the fairways and greens but a delight if you are observant and venture into the rough looking for your ball.

We have very many species of wild flowers, most very common, and liking damp or wet environments. We also have several more hidden but interesting fungi.

This article presents a small selection that I hope you manage to spot over the growing season.

Red Campion(Silene dioica) is found on many places on the course this photo shows a clump to the right of the ladies second tee. The species is dioecious ie separate male and female flowers. The root of the plant has been used as a soap substitute obtained by simmering the root in hot water.

The Flag or Yellow Iris (Iris pseudocarus) is a perennial herb that is very common in damp environments and will grow happily in water. Found now along the banks of our ditches and near to the pond it is hard to believe it is on the endangered list in the Czech Republic and Germany. Yellow and green dyes from this plant were used in the Harris Tweed industry Common Valerian (Veleriona officinalis) also known as All Heal is a tall herb that likes wet meadows and grows in many areas of our rough. It is used (as its name implies) as a medicinal herb as the rhizomes and roots contain oils which have a sedative and an antispasmodic effect.

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Foxgloves contain enzymes that can make digitalis a drug used for heart conditions. The wild foxglove can make anthocyanins-pinky purple pigments but the white foxglove I spotted near the driving range is lacking one or more of these.

Fox and Cubs (Heracium brunneocroceum) also known as Hawkweed is a most interesting plant.

It was introduced to British gardens in 1620 and noted as a wild escape around 1790. It is now naturalised in grassland and you may find it in your garden. I found this one on the edge of the fourteenth fairway.

It is also known as Grim the Collier. If you turn the inflorescence upside down the black coal like hairs are very obvious.

The Foxglove (Digitalis purpea ) is a tall graceful plant that thrives on acid soils. A single plant can give one or two million seeds hence its commonality. The browny purple spots on the flower are markings which attract bees as the spots show up well in ultra violet light and bees see in this way.

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There was a tradition in Scotland where foxglove leaves were placed into a new born babies cradle to protect the baby from becoming bewitched.

Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) or Fireweed is very common on the edge of fairways often as a companion to Cow Parsley the pink flowers contrasting vividly with the white Parsley. In autumn on a windy day thousands of Willowherb seeds float across our fairways.

The Marsh Ragwort (Senecio aquaticus) is a very pretty plant which is in flower from mid to late summer. Although attractive to look at it is listed under the Noxious Weeds Act of 1936.

appears each year in the rough on the south side of the fourteenth fairway just before the burn.

Common this orchid may be but it is no less beautiful for that. It is taller than the Heath Spotted Orchid with which it is often confused. The lip of the Common Spotted orchid has an exaggerated central tooth just about evident in this picture.

All wild orchids are protected by law so please do not pick them or dig them up.

It is one of the “top 20 aliens” in Britain and can spread rapidly as it can spit its seeds out onto waterways and the seeds can germinate in the water float downstream and colonise further along the bank.

The Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a worrying invasive plant that many agencies are trying to eradicate. It spreads along the banks of the Endrick and the burns and ditches.

This is my favourite golf course flower putting in a regular appearance each July.

However, I classify a weed as a plant growing where some folks don’t want it to grow such as vegetable plots or lawns.

If you spot this flower it will probably have insects or butterflies around it. The seeds of the plant are poisonous but do not seem to affect birds or sheep.

Policeman’s Helmet (Impatiens glandulifera) known also as Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant that is easy to spot near the golf course burns and the river Endrick. This picture is taken from close to the twelfth tee.

The Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) a colony of which

31

Toxins in the sap react with sunlight/ UV rays causing the skin to redden and blister. Avoid contact with this plant.

The Willow Bracket (Phelinus igniarius) is found on a wide range of trees. I found this on a Birch.

The fungi around our golf course are more difficult to spot but no less interesting.

Bracket Fungi are the fruiting structures of many different fungi that can cause heartwood decay in standing trees. They cause either white or brown rot in the heartwood and structurally weaken the tree. Some trees have an ability to limit the spread of the internal infection by releasing chemical barriers but many trees eventually succumb.

The Hoof fungus (Fomes formentarius) also known as the Tinder fungus have had some fascinating uses. The inner flesh, known as amadou, was used in fly fishing to soak up excess water from the flies. Early man used the skin to create a spark by scratching with a flint and then sliced the fungi into thin pieces to provide fire tinder. It has also been used to make a very thick paper.

It has many similarities to the Hoof fungus and can lead to a trunk fracture.

Chicken in the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is one of the most spectacular and easily identifiable bracket fungi.

I found this one just outside the golf course but felt it was worth including for its interest.

It can grow on standing trees or decaying ones and likes oaks. Historically this fungi was known to damage the wooden ships of the British Navel Fleet.

Considered edible when young it can cause stomach upsets for some so should be treated with caution.

32

Panther Cap (Amanita panthererina) could be mistaken for a golf ball in the rough when young. This specimen just off the third fairway is a highly poisonous cap and stem fungi with high concentrations of muscarin. DO NOT TOUCH !

Dryads Saddle (Polyporous squamosus) can be found on the nearest large tree to the left of the seventh green and is a splendid specimen.

In Greek mythology a dryad is a treedwelling nymph or fairy. Someone with admirable imagination decided that this fungi looked like a saddle that one of the nymphs would sit on.

As the fungi on this tree is growing above head height you can see the under surface which is formed of large honeycomb-like pores.

Tom Renfrew

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Trophy Winners 2011 in the 75th Anniversary Year Gentlemen

1 Club Championship 2 Shearer Cup

3 Jubilee Salver

4 Medal Finals 1st Class

2nd Class

3rd Class 5 Buchanan Trophy 5 Club 6 Cameron Cup 7 Seniors Trophy 8 Armour Clark 9 Rennie Quaich 10 Bogey Cup 11 Fleming Cup 12 Braid Cup 13 Collins Cup

14 Robertson Trophy

15 G C Munro Cup

16 Boyd Trophy 17 MacDonald Cup 18 Frank Young Salver

Andrew Murray Graeme Alexander Ernest Barnard Miller Hatton Ken McLean Peter McGowan Michael Smith Norman Maddocks Brian Gray Grant Denholm Michael Muir Donald MacDonald Sandy Leitch Paul Hannan Michael Smith Michael Muir Donald MacNeil Miller Hatton Michael Muir Bobby Chalmers Alan Vickers Bobby Chalmers Alex Peebles Alistair Hope

Gentlemen Meetings + Pro Captains Challenges 1 Spring Meeting 1st Class Captain’s Prizes 2nd Class

3rd Class 2. Autumn Meeting 1st Class Vice-Captain’s Prizes 2nd Class

3rd Class 3 Summer Meeting 1st Class Keith Baxter’s Prizes 2nd Class

3rd Class 4 Professional & Captain Challenge

Alistair Hope Alex Peebles Archie Banks Peter McGowan Alex Peebles Kevin Hughes Ronnie Wylie Alex Peebles John P Anderson Calum Weir Gordon Yule

Mixed Events

1 Elder McLean Salver

2 Miller Rose Bowl

3 Waugh Trophy

4 Diamond Jubilee Jug

Alistair Hope Irene Galbraith Graeme Alexander Raymond Ainslie Anne Gardner Celia Livingstone Tommy Gemmill Sheila Cooper Walter MacGowan Fiona Glass

1 M Thomson Trophy 2 Kit Harvey Trophy 3 Eirene Anderson Cup 4 Thompson Trophy 5 Thistle Cup 6 M Howatt Trophy 7 McDonald Salver 8 J Durnin Trophy 9 Montrose Plate

10 Ena Bruce Trophy 11 E M P Salver 12 Jubilee Clock Trophy (Bronze) 13 Jubilee Clock Trophy (Silver) 14 Duchess of Montrose Silver Jubilee Trophy 15 Professional & Ladies Captain Challenge

June Ferguson Clare Low Luisella Mosley Amanda MacLeod Isobel Waddell Karein Gordon Helen Lamont Amanda MacLeod Fiona Glass Kay Pollock Anne Gardner Fiona Glass Luisella Mosley Cathy Alexander Luisella Mosley

Ladies

Cathy Alexander Helen MacGregor

Ladies Championship, Jennifer Lunn Trophy and Junior Championship still to be completed at time of printing.

35

Past Captains of the Golf Club

Bottom Row – Left to right G.R. Ferrie, G. Davison, W.G.S. Hinchcliffe, Prof. H.B. Sutherland, J.C. Clunie, H. Jack, I.S. Bruce 2nd Row R. Jackson, I.R. Marshall, J.W. Bradley, J.O. Elliot, W.S. Ferguson, F.R. Berman, J.K. Holt 3rd Row W.A. Burnett, D. MacDonald, J.I.T. Walker, I. Symington, J.D. Allan Top Row J.A. Kennedy, M.W. Falconer, W. McCreadie Absent - T. Gemmill, I.A. Beaton, A.M. Coutts, R.S. Short

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Past Ladies Captains

Front Row – Left to Right Betty Laing, Lillian Stuart, Lesley Mackiggan, Ena Bruce, Marjorie Waddell, Ali Thompson, Christine Robertson 2nd Row Eirene Anderson, Kay Pollock, Clare Low, Sheilagh Cooper, Nancy Brown 3rd Row Jennifer Simmers, Helen MacGregor, Gill Hamblen, Madge Kennedy, Phil Kee, Fiona Glass Back Row Jennifer Kinloch, Susan Wilson, June Ferguson Absent - Isabel Walker, Sheena Munro, Jennifer Lunn

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Four Castles Victory!

S

unday the 24th July was a day of considerable success for the Buchanan Castle team when it played in the Four Castles Tournament at Haggs Castle. Inaugurated in the year 2000, this annual tournament, and the very handsome trophy which goes with it, is played for amongst Ranfurly Castle, Bothwell Castle, Haggs Castle and Buchanan Castle. The format is a stableford event with each club fielding a team of 18 players comprising the Club Captain, Match and Handicap Secretary, 4 Gentlemen players from each of handicaps 0-9, 10 – 18, over 18 and 4 Ladies, two from each of Silver and Bronze classes. It is a shotgun start with one player from each club in every group. The winner is the team with the highest overall total number of points. While played in a spirit of friendship, the Tournament nevertheless engenders a considerable sense of rivalry and competitive edge. So it was with a considerable degree of satisfaction that the Buchanan Castle Team lifted the Trophy for 2011. This was particularly of note in that it was an ‘away’ win – only the second time that the trophy has been won away from home. Having also won in 2010 at home, this meant that Buchanan Castle has become the first of the four to successfully defend its title. Roll on Four Castles 2012 at Ranfurly Castle – we’re going for three in a row!

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Pictured (inset) with the Trophy are John Shaftoe and Calum Weir. Main picture: members of the team, L to R, Fred Berman, Gavin Hunter, Graeme Alexander, Ernest Barnard, Cathy Alexander, Tom Renfrew, Fiona Glass, Miller Hatton, Madge Kennedy, Donald Glass, Luisella Mosley, Norman Maddocks, Gordon Yule, Russell Stevenson. Not pictured are Paul Szraga and Robert Livingstone.

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Matches, Competitions & Medals

Andrew on the road to becoming Club Champion

On the 1st tee at the Pro-Am 40

A winning chip perhaps??

A

The winning putt

t Buchanan Castle we continually strive to achieve the necessary balance for those members who wish to play regular competitive golf while also accommodating those members who wish to play social golf with their friends.

We try to provide, therefore, a broad spectrum of competitive formats to suit as wide a spread of our membership as we can while still leaving ample space and opportunity within the playing calendar for those who choose to play their golf in a less formal and competitive setting.

The Gents club competitions start immediately the season begins with each of the principal knockout, match-play handicap competitions commencing in April. These are the Collins Cup (Singles), the Robertson Cup (Foursomes) and the Munro Cup (4 ball).

These competitions run throughout the season.

Receiving The Trophy

There is a comprehensive programme of Gents medal competitions provided for those who wish to participate. In addition to the regular monthly Saturday medals, which are balloted, there are also optional medals on most other Saturdays which are non-balloted, thus allowing all members to enjoy their golf either competitively or purely socially. There are also Gents medals every Wednesday, which are not balloted and where you arrange your own game.

Our club championship is played over a one week period in June with the Champion receiving the Duke of Montrose Cup. Entry for the

championship is drawn from the 15 players with the best scratch scores from two early season medals together with the defending champion. We also have a scratch 36-hole stroke play competition for the Boyd Trophy in September and, new this year, a 36-hole Handicap competition for the MacDonald Cup, played the same day.

The notice boards throughout the clubhouse play a very important part in communicating to all members any information regarding up and coming competitions or advising members of any changes to competitions. So please do check these on a regular basis.

Outwith the medals and season competitions, the club runs several other events throughout the golfing year, all of which are popular with members. There are Mixed competitions, Gents Open competitions, Stirlingshire Seniors and foursomes, our Pro-Am and our own member and guest. So hopefully there is something for everyone.

However, any club is only as good as the participation of its members and we would like to see as many as possible entering our various events. If you are at all unsure about any of the events or competitions and would like to know more about them, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of our Committee members who will be only too glad to help.

Calum Weir

The Trophy 41

Buchanan Ditties Did you Know...

Ali Thompson was once a Model. She was also the first lady Governer of Glasgow Academy and as if this in not enough, has trekked in the Himalayas.

Eric Brown who was a member of the winning Ryder Cup Team in 1957 was our Club Professional.

Isobel Waddell is the daughter of the clubs first Head Greenkeeper William Bradford. She was also the Ladies Club Champion in 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1976, 1980, 1982 and 1983.

Brian Gray holds the amateur “new course” record of 67.

In 1952 John W Mill had a round of 67 in the match against Stirling County and it was agreed that this be accepted as the amateur record for the “old course”.

Our Golf Club and Montrose family motto “Ne Oublie” means “Do not forget” If you were a member in 1951 you could have become a “life member” for a one off payment of £50.

Legend has it that Walter Hagen holed a 20 foot putt on the 18th Green during an exhibition match prior to the Open Championships at Carnoustie in 1937. Joe Kirkwood congratulated Walter and said “bet you can’t do that again”.

Hagen asked for his ball back and proceeded to sink the putt again from the same distance” – stuff legends are made of right enough.

42

Published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd. Unit 14, Birch Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Dumbarton G82 2RE. Tel: 01389 736000 Fax: 01389 736002 This yearbook is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers.

The proprietors of this publication are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein. They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication.

The views expressed by authors of articles published in this publication are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd.

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Drymen, Glasgow G63 0HY General Manager: 01360 660 307 E–Mail: info@buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk Clubhouse: 01360 660 369 Pro–Shop & Tee Reservations: 01360 660 330 E–mail: proshop@buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk www.buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk 44