Acclaimed Scottish Golf Course Closes Down Suddenly
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Thu 12 Sep 2024
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Located in the Scottish Borders, the Hirsel Golf Club has suddenly closed its doors after committee members at the club's AGM voted to immediately file for bankruptcy, having finally succumbed to significant financial pressures.
Following the decision, the club announced on its Facebook page: "Following our AGM this evening, the Hirsel Golf Club is closed. No bookings can now be taken.
"Anyone with future golf bookings will hear directly from the Club."
What makes this a particularly shocking turn of events is that the Hirsel has been widely acclaimed by members of the Golfshake Community, boasting an impressive Golfshake Rating of 4.69 with 100% of golfers declaring that they would either play it again or recommend the place to others.
Such recognition is why the venue has recently featured in two articles on this website; 50 Must Play Scottish Golf Courses That Are Not Links and The Best Golf Green Fees in Scotland.
Covering part of the Hirsel Estate near the banks of the River Tweed, reviewers on Golfshake regularly commented on the club's conditioning, hospitality and friendly welcome, which explains why it has rated so highly.
But more than anything, it will be the members and local golfers who shall be most distraught at this news.
Commenting on Facebook, Ali Vine said: "I’m absolutely heartbroken. 26 years a member, so many happy memories, past captain, past chairperson, 14 club championships and friendships made for life. Can’t believe that it’s now gone."
Nearby Kelso Golf Club responded to the statement, opening its doors to members of Hirsel, saying: "All of us at Kelso Golf Club are extremely sad and disappointed to hear this news about our friends at the Hirsel. If there are any existing Hirsel Golf Club members out there who’d like to finish their season at Kelso for a small admin fee of around £20 then please get in touch."
Having been founded in 1948, the Hirsel slowly developed into a full 18-hole parkland that was blessed with a tranquil setting, excellent facilities and a glowing reputation.
But following decades of history, it appears, much to the sadness of local golfers and those who had visited from afar, that this story has drawn to a close unless a dramatic intervention occurs.
About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
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