Ladybank

Ladybank Golf Club was established in 1879. The architect of the original 6-hole course, Old Tom Morris, played in the Autumn Meeting that year as a 'stranger' and won despite his handicap of +3 strokes. In 1910 a circular 9 holes was formed with the holes varying in length from 330 to 400 yards with 'two short sporting' holes at the fourth and seventh. A further 9 holes were laid down in 1958 and incorporated within the existing course in 1961 to form an 18 hole course.

A new Clubhouse was built in 1971 with the existing building becoming the present-day Proshop. The year 1978 was a landmark year for Ladybank with nomination as a venue for Open Championship Final Qualifying. The course of today is still a severe examination of the professional?s course management skills. For lesser mortals this is a challenge to relish with accuracy off the tee more important than length.

During the past twenty five years a galaxy of stars has graced the turf including, Darren Clarke, Justin Leonard, Bernard Langer, Sam Torrance, Ian Woosnam and the late Payne Stewart. The Club proudly displays pictures of two honorary members, Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros, playing in an exhibition match over the course in 1983.

The present Professional record holder is Paul Affleck having scored a 65, on the altered course, to equal the score set by Mark Brooks in 1995 Local heroes include George Will, a Ryder Cup player, and Dale Reid, O.B.E., a leading lady golfer and now forever remembered as Captain of the victorious European Solheim Cup team at Loch Lomond in 2000.

A heathland course of Championship status (Par 71) set amongst heather, pine trees and silver birch. The Championship course (6754 yards) has two loops of nine holes - visitors generally use the blue course (6299 yards).
But woe be unto the Man with the exaggerated slice or pull! He may not again see his ball, and the only consolation will be that probably nobody else will find it!

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