restoration

continuing development

As of December 2007 the club has received planning permission for all works on the course, although not without some resistance from a few local crofters who believed the club were trying eliminate livestock from the machairland. This was entirely untrue, being as the club's aim is for the course to remain as authentic to its 1891 condition as possible. This includes allowing cattle and sheep to graze the land during the winter months. It also includes the prohibition of all artificial fertilisers or herbicides. This move received great plaudits from enviromental bodies who have branded Askernish "the most natural golf course in the world".

A natural loch on the machair.

To fund the ongoing works, which by the summer of 2007 were employing five men, the club enlisted the help of Malcolm Peake, a links golf enthusiast and friend of Gordon Irvine. With his contacts he managed to produce a leaflet which was distributed worldwide with the aim of selling life memberships to fund the ongoing work. Malcolm has worked tirelessly for Askernish, and his contribution shall always be remembered. He, Gordon Irvine and Martin Ebert were installed as the first ever Honorary Life Members of Askernish Golf Club, as a recognition of the great deal of voluntary work they have done. Angus Glen Golf Club in Toronto, Canada, and Ransome Jacobsens Machinery have both provided sponsorship and the club thanks Gordon Stollery and David Withers for their support.

the future

As of winter 2007 eighteen holes and seventeen fairways are in place, with work ready to start on the 12th - a double fairway. The course will be fully complete by the end of May, and the official opening with take place place on August 22nd 2008. The official opening is delayed till August to ensure the new greens are properly matured, but visitors are encouraged to use the course this coming summer.

If you are interested in becoming a life member and helping us to create a unique golf course, then please contact us for details using the links provided. The life membership numbers are strictly limited. The club is also seeking sponsorship from any corporate body who would like to take advantage of the worldwide advertising our project is receiving.