History of Wigtownshire County Golf Club
The story of Wigtownshire County Golf Club begins in the late Victorian era, during a time when the game of golf was gaining popularity across Scotland. In 1893, a group of like-minded gentlemen from Glenluce and Stranraer — united by a shared passion for the game — began discussing the idea of founding a golf club in the area. Their ambition was simple but bold: to identify a suitable piece of land and establish a course that would bring the spirit of golf to the heart of Wigtownshire.
By March 1894, their vision had already taken shape. A 65-acre tract of land known as the Mains of Park, comprising what are now holes 1–4 and 14–18, was successfully leased. To bring their dream to life, the founding members sought the expertise of Mr. Charles Hunter, the esteemed professional at Prestwick Golf Club — one of the cradles of modern golf. Hunter was commissioned to design a 9-hole course of what was described at the time as “sporting character,” a testament to the challenging and engaging nature of the proposed layout.
On 28th March 1894, just four weeks after Hunter's appointment, the course was officially opened at noon by Sir Herbert Maxwell, Bart., MP, a prominent figure of the time and a strong supporter of local development. The opening marked not just the beginning of a new chapter in the area’s sporting history, but the start of what would become one of southwest Scotland's cherished golf venues.
Shortly after the grand opening, the Club received its first Clubhouse — a modest structure that had once served as a tennis pavilion. Generously gifted to the Club, it was erected near what was then the 1st tee, in the area that today lies close to the 4th green. Over the years, as the Club's reputation grew and its membership expanded, successive generations have seen the clubhouse replaced and improved, ensuring that members and visitors alike continue to enjoy a warm and welcoming environment.
The next significant milestone came in 1966, when the original 9-hole course was purchased from the Department of Agriculture for Scotland for the sum of £2,000 — a pivotal moment that secured the future of the Club and laid the groundwork for its continued growth. In 1978, further expansion was made possible with the acquisition of an additional 45 acres of land from the same department. This newly acquired land now forms holes 5 through 13 and transformed the layout into a full 18-hole course.
The design of the new nine holes was entrusted to Mr. W. Gordon Cunningham, a respected golf course architect whose work complemented the original layout with finesse and vision. On 30th May 1987, the newly extended course was officially opened, completing a near-century-long evolution from a humble 9-hole track into a championship-length course admired for both its strategic challenge and scenic beauty.
Today, Wigtownshire County Golf Club proudly stands as a testament to the foresight and dedication of its founders, the skill of its designers, and the enduring love of golf among its members. Blending tradition with progress, the Club continues to uphold its rich heritage while offering a first-class golfing experience to all who visit.