The Beginning — 1896
"Beith Club — The links were formally opened on Saturday, but owing to wet weather only a few completed the course. Mr Walter Williamson — writer, the Captain was presented by the members with a handsome driver as a momento of the occasion. Over 80 ladies and gentlemen have already become members."
— The Herald, 14th February 1896
Play continued over the nine holes opposite Grangehill until 1907 when the first major change took place — the move to our present course, or at least the nine holes which formed the course between 1907 and 1995.
Fire and Resilience — 1960s
One Sunday morning in the early 1960s, the Clubhouse which was built following the lease of 1907 burned down, leaving the members with no accommodation or shelter. With some haste, they set about finding a temporary building as a replacement.
Fortunately, Hunterston Power Station was being built nearby and the club was able to buy a surplus hut and erect it adjacent to the 3rd tee. A chemical toilet had pride of place in the new building — there was even a bar, consisting of two or three crates of Struther's lemonade. Members were on their honour to pay sixpence (two and a half pence in new money) per bottle.
A New Clubhouse — 1974
Gradually, year by year, the club progressed. Course equipment was brought up to date and membership increased steadily. As the 1970s approached, it became obvious that the temporary Clubhouse accommodation was sub-standard, and a development fund was set up. Many members still remember the weekly draw that raised money very successfully.
After much hard work, the present Clubhouse was opened on 4th May 1974. This marked a turning point in the club's affairs — it fairly quickly dropped its dependence on voluntary labour and became more of a business.
The game itself became more keenly contested at both membership and inter-club level. A Club badge, based on the flag of Beith, was designed and introduced. The ladies section blossomed and the juniors matured into a comparatively self-sufficient group. Later in the 1980s, the Seniors' section was formed.
Eighteen Holes — 1993–1996
The club moved through the seventies, eighties and into the nineties with both course and Clubhouse showing continuous improvement. In 1993, after the purchase of land from Mr Hugh Knox of Hill of Beith, the development of the course into an eighteen-hole layout was begun, and the full eighteen holes were formally opened in 1996 — the club's centenary year.
A Difficult Decision — 2017/2018
The downturn in the economy, a lack of new members, and the natural retirement of older members resulted in many clubs struggling to keep going. In Autumn 2017, it was decided that the club could not afford to keep going as it was.
However, it was put forward that 9 holes might be a way to save the club, as long as enough members committed to pay for one more season. As of January 2018, a faithful band of members did promise to carry on for the upcoming year.
Back on Course — 2020 and Beyond
Two years down the line, reverting to 9 holes proved to be the right decision. Thanks to a stable membership the club continued to flourish, with funds being invested in upgrading machinery and the Clubhouse.
For those wishing to play 18 holes, two tees are provided for every hole, giving variety on each tee shot. The course is maintained to a high standard through the dedication of our part-time green keepers and member volunteers, with a practice range at the front of the Clubhouse and a putting green at the back entrance to the locker rooms.