Loudoun Gowf Golf Club

The Loudoun Gowf Field, utilized for the sport of Gowf for over four centuries, was established as far back as the early sixteenth century. The terrain, believed to be undisturbed by ploughing throughout its history, functions as a notable inland course with a unique turf quality, even supplying turf for Hampden Park around 1920.

The Loudoun Gowf Club was formed on November 10, 1908, by twelve Galston gentlemen aiming to revive the defunct Galston Golf Club. The Earl of Loudoun was approached and agreed to rent the gowf field, leading to the creation of a new nine-hole course, which later expanded into an 18-hole course laid out by Mr. Hydes, with Mr. Robertson of Troon as the first Greenkeeper.

During World War I, the club faced financial difficulties and nearly ceased operations, but by allowing cattle grazing and community support, it managed to survive the war. The inter-war period saw a revival in golf interest, and despite financial strains, the course improved, especially following an influx of members from the defunct Loudoun Hill Golf Course.

The golf course faced a potential sale in the 1960s due to the Countess of Loudoun's death and subsequent estate taxes, which led to the club raising funds to ensure its purchase in 1965 for £20,000. The club invested in a new clubhouse and further course developments over the next years, including hosting a gala to finance a refreshment hut and committee room behind the existing clubhouse.

Since 1974, significant investments have been directed towards course improvements, including a new machinery building, expanded tees, new bunkers, and the ongoing plantation of approximately 2,500 trees. These developments gave the course a rejuvenated appearance with strategically shaped holes and lined fairways, while maintaining challenging targets with relatively small greens.