Founded in 1891, the course today no longer bears any resemblance to its original layout.  Indeed in the early days the course was only 9 holes and the golfers often had to play around the local flock of grazing sheep.  With the addition of four new holes in 1909, including the infamous ‘Bullfield’ holes the club then became a 13 hole club – one of the few in the world. .  James Braid re-designed the 13 hole course during a visit to the area in 1911.

 A regulation round of 18 holes was achieved with the members playing the first five holes twice, after commencing their round at what is the current 14th hole, a tough opening hole, especially in a strong south westerly wind and water on the right.

 In the early nineties, under the guidance of Head Greenkeeper, Sid Mercer, Greens Convenor Jimmy Cathcart and Committee member Nigel Wright, the groundwork for 5 new holes was laid.  In August 1999, Club Captain, Nigel Wright proudly opened the new 18 hole layout and the oldest 13 hole club in the world was no more. The new holes have now fully matured and Skelmorlie is now an excellent example of a moorland course with testing par 4 holes and a number of very testing par 3 holes.  Any visitor today playing to their handicap around Skelmorlie, will be well pleased with their golf game.

Skelmorlie Golf Course is listed in John Moreton’s booklet ‘James Braid, Golf Course Designer’.