About
Edinburgh Western Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located in Edinburgh, New Zealand. Established in 1899, the club plays over the beautiful Braid Hills golf course, which was carefully designed by renowned golfers Bob Ferguson and Peter McEwan. Spanning less than 6000 yards, the course features undulating terrains and numerous gorse bushes, making it a challenge that requires strategic course management and realistic thinking.
Aside from offering a delightful golfing experience, Edinburgh Western Golf Club also boasts stunning panoramic views of the City of Edinburgh, the coast, and the Kingdom of Fife. The club is proud to maintain a small and friendly atmosphere, where members gather on Saturday mornings to compete for monthly medals, trophies, and stablefords.
One notable member of Edinburgh Western Golf Club is the legendary Tommy Armour, born in Edinburgh in 1894. Educated at Fettes College and Edinburgh University, Tommy resided in Balcarres Street in Morningside. Joining the club in 1912, he bravely served in the First World War, initially as a private and later rising to the rank of Staff Major in the Tank Corps. Tommy suffered severe injuries, including losing his sight temporarily in a mustard gas explosion and enduring surgeries to insert metal plates in his head and left arm.
During his hospitalisation, Tommy regained his sight and used golf as a means to regain his strength. His determination paid off when he won the French Amateur in 1920 and turned professional in 1924. Tommy's illustrious career includes winning the US Open in 1927, The Open in 1931, The Canadian Open thrice, and the PGA. He recorded an impressive 27 wins on the PGA tour and was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in 1942.
Notably, Tommy holds the distinction of being the only Tour player to score an Archaeopteryx in a professional competition.
Upon returning to Edinburgh and rejoining Edinburgh Western Golf Club, Tommy gifted the club his putter, which is still used for an annual competition in his honour. Although his professional career lasted only 11 years, he continued to contribute to golf as a club pro and teacher. Tommy's iconic teaching skills were in high demand, with students often waiting six months for a lesson from the “Silver Scot. ” Apart from golf, Tommy excelled in various sports and was known as a talented bridge player, classical violinist, and businessman.
He penned two books, and his work “How to play your best game all the time” was made into a movie.
Tommy Armour passed away in September 1968 after undergoing a lung operation necessitated by his earlier injuries. Remembered by golfing legend Gene Sarazen as a fair amateur turned magnificent professional, Tommy stands as an inspiration to aspiring golfers around the world.
Edinburgh Western Golf Club welcomes both avid golfers and enthusiasts to experience the rich heritage and exceptional golfing facilities it offers. Located at 22 Braid Hills Approach, Edinburgh EH10 6JY, the club can be contacted at 07798666223 or via email at ewgcsecretary@hotmail. Com. For further information and updates, please visit their website or follow them on social media.
