Wick Golf Club, located in Caithness at the far North of the Highlands of Scotland, holds the esteemed title of being the oldest golf club on the NC500. In 2020, the club celebrated its 150th year, a testament to its rich history and tradition.
Originally established in September 1870, Wick Golf Club was formed to organise competitions, set rules, and administer handicaps for its members. The club initially played on a six-hole course situated in Wick's Society Park, which is now called the Bignold Park. Additionally, a practise area was provided at the South Head, offering breathtaking views overlooking Wick Bay. Sheriff Thoms, who was the president of the club for approximately 25 years, played a pivotal role in developing golf in the North of Scotland.
Other founding members, such as Dr. George Banks and D Warren Gilchrist, also contributed significantly to the club's early success.
During 1907/1908, under the captaincy of Lt Col Henderson, Wick Golf Club underwent a redesign by Mr. John Sutherland, who served as the secretary of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and was a member at Wick Golf Club. The redesign expanded the course from nine to eighteen holes. John Sutherland, distinguished as a top amateur golfer, showcased his expertise by assessing the design options for the extension of the Reiss Links over two days of walking.
He then submitted a detailed report to the Wick Golf Club committee, outlining the modifications and proposed new holes. This report was accepted with minor alterations, and the course was ready for the 1907 season. John Sutherland went on to design and modify numerous golf courses in the region, leaving a significant impact on the game at the local and national levels.
Today, Wick Golf Club welcomes players of all skill levels to experience the challenging and scenic course. Green fees for adults are 50 per round, with junior players enjoying a rate of 10. Adult players who are accompanied by a member can avail of a reduced rate of 25, while the rate for accompanying junior players is 5. Visitors playing with a member are charged 15.
The club also offers trolley and club hire for 2 and 5 respectively. Visitors are required to pay for tee times at the time of booking, with payment accepted via bank transfer.
The clubhouse at Wick Golf Club has varying opening hours throughout the week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it is open from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm (approximately), while on Wednesdays, it operates from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Saturdays see the clubhouse open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on Sundays, it extends its hours from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, on open competition days, the clubhouse opens at 7:30 am, and it can also open at other times by prior arrangement.
Wick Golf Club provides players and visitors with a range of amenities and services. The club offers a well-maintained course that showcases the beautiful landscapes of Caithness. The website features a course gallery, providing a glimpse of the various holes and the overall course layout. Visitors can also explore the course's history, events, competitions, and even access a scorecard.
The clubhouse acts as a hub for socialising and relaxation, serving as a gathering place before and after rounds. The area surrounding the club offers numerous attractions and activities, providing further entertainment for visitors and members alike.
For inquiries, the club can be contacted via phone at 01955 602726, although the phone is unmanned, so it is advisable to use the provided email address or fill out the contact form on the website. The club maintains an active presence on Facebook, where updates and news are regularly shared.
In conclusion, Wick Golf Club stands as a proud pillar of golfing history, having established itself as the oldest golf club on the NC500. With a storied past and a well-designed course, it continues to offer golfing experiences that combine tradition, natural beauty, and the challenges of the game. Players and visitors alike are welcomed into a warm and friendly environment, where they can enjoy the sport they love while taking in the stunning surroundings of Caithness.