Kilmacolm Golf Club Renfrewshire
On the occasion of the club’s centenary in 1991, Jack Nicklaus wrote a personal letter to its members saying “I have heard many nice things about Kilmacolm.”
Often described as “a miniature Gleneagles”, the course is set on the edge of the picturesque village of Kilmacolm, only 15 minutes from Glasgow International Airport. The course enjoys exquisite views down the Gryffe Valley towards the Renfrewshire hills. Kilmacolm, three miles inland from the River Clyde, was home for many of the famous families who built ships and created shipping lines. Members pride themselves that this, is a village club. The vast majority stay in Kilmacolm.
The course reflects their attitude, offering a series of spectacular views, and rounds are expected to be completed in three hours. The narrow fairways are lined by heathers, gorse and Rowan Trees. Closing holes are played with the Knaps Loch in view, now used by local trout fishers. Full practice facilities are available to both members and guests and these include two putting greens, practice greens and bunkers. These are complimented with a full driving range with matts and automated ball dispensing.
Complete PGA Professional services are provided by Iain Nicholson who provides both coaching and retail facilities. In recent years, the clubhouse has been completely remodelled. The interior design was carried out by Geraldine Crossan, whose work at the club helped her to be commissioned to carry out improvements at Royal Troon Golf Club for the 1997 Open Championship.
The attraction of Kilmacolm lies not only in the sporting nature of the course but in its setting. Deer bounce over the fairways, sheep graze in surrounding fields and swans nest in adjoining marshlands, a protected site. Over 200 varieties of flora and fauna have been identified on and around the course. The club gives priority to its environmental obligations. It was Scottish runner up in the Greenkeepers environmental competition behind the prestigious Loch Lomond.
Kilmacolm is proud of its traditions going back over 100 years. Any golfer heading for the more famous Championship venues would enjoy the diversion to the village to sample and share the game as played by Scots themselves.