Undiscovered Scotland

 

Harburn Golf Club can be found on the northern slopes of the Pentland Hills, two miles from West Calder in West Lothian, and only four miles from the centre of Livingston. It lies at a height of 870ft above sea level and the attractive 18-hole parkland course is lined by a wide variety of trees. The club prides itself on a tremendous club spirit and a lively social calendar. It also offers, in Bistro19, an outstanding catering facility which attracts golfers and non-golfers alike.

The story of Golf in the West Calder District began in 1885 when the West Calder and Addiewell Golf Club was formed on ground at Burngrange Farm by a group of local merchants. Mr. Donald McPherson, publican, was the first Captain of the Club and Mr. D. Brown the first Secretary. The ground was leased to the Club free of charge by Young’s Oil Company Limited, whose Managing Director, Mr. John Fyfe, drove the first ball to inaugurate play. Play continued uninterrupted until 1928 when the Club had to vacate the course to make way for the Building of Burngrange Cottages.

The origins of golf at Harburn can be dated to 18 July 1925 when the first ball was driven at what was known at the time as the Hardale Golf Club. This club was wound up in 1932, and on 14 December that year the Harburn Golf Club was formed to take over the course and clubhouse. The story since, despite setbacks in the wake of World War Two, has been one of steady evolution and growth. The club was able to purchase the land on which it played in 1967, and the clubhouse underwent a major refurbishment and extension in 1993. In 2001 a new practice area was developed

Visitors are made very welcome at Harburn, but at the heart of the club are its nine hundred members, including an active ladies' section and an expanding junior section. The club is actively seeking new members, and a range of options are available including family memberships for the second and subsequent members within a household; five day memberships; student memberships; and junior memberships.

Members are able to gain an official CONGU handicap which allows them to enter competitions at Harburn and Open Tournaments at other clubs. There are also regular medals for men and for ladies, allowing members plenty of opportunity to improve their handicaps.

The thriving junior membership is supported by qualified coaches. Harburn Golf Club aims to create a fun environment for kids to both enjoy their golf and progress in a healthy active sport.

Harburn Golf Club has an active and vibrant social calendar, including themed evenings in the restaurant, and dances or acts.