Your chance to make golfing history

Entries are now being accepted for Royal Montrose Golf Club’s 25-Hole Golf Open which is being held on May 30. 

“This will be only the second time in history that an open has been held over 25 holes rather than the customary 18,” explained Brian Ritchie, Captain of Royal Montrose.

 “This is a unique opportunity for golfers from across the UK and beyond to re-enact of one of golf’s most remarkable events.”

The world’s first 25-hole Golf Open was organised by Royal Albert Golf Club, predecessor of the present Royal Montrose Golf Club, on October 23, 1866.

This event attracted an elite field of 12 golfing greats who, between them, had won 12 Open championships, including OId Tom Morris, James Anderson and Willie Park, and was played over a course that was over 8,000 yards long – the longest ever used for a major professional tournament.

After 25 holes, the tournament was won by William Doleman from Glasgow, who beat Willie Park by 112 strokes to 115.

The world’s second 25-Hole Open has been organised as part of Royal Montrose’s bicentenary celebrations, and is supported by Angus Council through Carnoustie Country, which promotes the golf courses in and around Angus.

“It’s 144 years since the Club organised the first 25-Hole Open,” said Brian. “This time, there will be ten times as many golfers competing, including the great-great grandson of William Doleman, the original winner.

“Stuart Benson, who is from Glasgow, is very proud of his great-great grandfather’s place in golfing history and has carried on the family tradition – as has his daughter Nicole, William Doleman’s great-great-great granddaughter, who will also be competing.”  

Royal Montrose Golf Club’s 25-Hole Open is sponsored by Astute (Scotland) Ltd of Forfar.  

The entry fee is £20 and every competitor will receive a commemorative gift. In addition to the prizes awarded to the winners and runners-up, all competitors will have the chance to win one of three specially-commissioned replica hickory shaft putters.

Entries for this unique golfing event can be obtained by calling the club on 01674 678669, or by visiting www.royalmontrosegolf.com and downloading an application form.

If you can’t make the event you can always tackle Montrose’s 18 hole Medal and Broomfield courses for half-price in midweek with a 2-FORE!-1 voucher.

More information about Royal Montrose’s bicentenary events can be found at www.royalmontrosegolf.com. To find out more about Carnoustie Country and its golf courses, visit www.carnoustiecountry.com