In 1935 the Western Isles Hotel then in the
ownership of MacBraynes built an 18 hole course, designed by David Adams.
They invited the Tobermory Golf Club to play on it and in 1937 the club
was invited to manage the course and the name was changed to the Western
Isles Golf Club. The records cease during the war.
In 1947 the course was reopened as a 9 hole
course owing to the expense of its upkeep. There was a crisis about the
grazing of cattle on the course and the committee said it would disband
the club if no arrangement could be reached. An agreement was made but
sheep were to be allowed on the course and proved to be a great nuisance.
Mr William Christie, the greenkeeper from 1933, was reappointed and continued
until 1952. The club could not find anyone to take the post of greenkeeper
so each member of the committee took over responsibility for one green.
The following year the Club took over the course which they rented from
the hotel. The course improved steadily from this point. Green keeping
was in the hands of W.MacLean and continued in his care until his death
in 1966 when he was succeeded by Richard Hughes.
Rabbit and sheep damage continued to be
a problem. A more pressing problem arose in 1973 when the proprietor of
the Western Isles Hotel wished to develop part of the course. The defence
was mounted by Treasurer Alan Brown and Secretary Jake Backus and an attempt
was made to purchase the course for the club. Despite the fact that this
was unsuccessful, the threat of losing part of the course diminished.
In 1976 the new owner of the Western Isles
Hotel, Derek McAdam completely re-fenced the course and for the first time
the course was free from stock. This allowed the new greenkeeper John Wilshire
to increase the pace of the improvements. Negotiations were started to
obtain a long term lease or an option to purchase the course but little
progress was made. At the A.G.M. in February 1987 it was agreed that the
name of the club revert to its original title " Tobermory Golf Club " and
in the following year negotiations for the purchase of the course from
Mr McAdam were finalised. As part of the purchase agreement the course
had to be rearranged with a new entry road off the Erray Road. The old
6th hole became the 1st and contracts were arranged for the road and foundations
of a new clubhouse, which was built by Angus Robertson and completed in
early 1992. Our joy at the opening in June was tempered with sadness at
the death of Alasdair Brown a few months before, he had been the driving
force in the negotiations having served as Captain, Secretary and Treasurer
in the years leading up to the purchase.
The committee set about improving the course
helped by a grant of £5,000 from the R & A. A new tractor, rough
cutter and a greens mower were purchased. New tees have been constructed
each year. Our green keeper became full time in 1994.
