Braids Open Day to celebrate 125th anniversary

 

One of Scotland’s most iconic golf courses, credited with inspiring the growth of urban golf since the nineteenth century and home to the Dispatch Trophy, is to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Braid Hills Golf Course, beloved for its unique views of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth, is marking the occasion by offering free golf at dedicated times on its birthday, Thursday May 29th.

As part of the celebrations, new members will be welcomed with a 25% discount on season tickets purchased on May 29 only.

Braid Hills, the testing ground for golfing greats James Braid and Tommy Armour, is predicting a bumper summer, building on the momentum of 2013, which proved its most successful year in a decade.

Established in 1889 to offer an alternative to golf enthusiasts after safety issues required the closure of Bruntsfield Links, the Braid Hills site was a marvel at the time, as a golf course situated in the centre of a capital city.

Golf, previously mostly associated with seaside sites, became urban. The success of ‘The Braids’ was credited with inspiring a wealth of new city golf courses which were established in the decades to follow.

The Braids has also been credited with boosting the fortunes of what came to be one of Edinburgh’s most sought after districts, Morningside.

With a new setting for golf came a new style of golfer, and just a few years later the Dispatch Trophy was launched.

The site has continually evolved over 125 years, including parts being ploughed over for growing food during WW2. The 15th and 16th greens were also used during wartime for fire pits designed to draw out bombers during blackouts.

The 14th hole was once a pond, popular for skating in the winter.

The Wee Braids, a nine hole course, was established in 2004 to introduce children and young people to golf.

The atmosphere surrounding the Dispatch Trophy coupled with the 125th anniversary celebrations is expected to entice a new batch of golfers.

David Atkinson, Golf and Grounds Maintenance Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “The Braids has a unique topography which is ideal for golf. The gorse bushes, the highs and lows of the land, lends itself perfectly to the game and creates a challenging course which has always attracted enthusiasts, as well as tourists thanks to its beautiful views.

“We are looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible on Thursday to enjoy a free game at historic Braid Hills.”

Free golf is offered to all on Thursday 29th May between 7am – 3pm and 6pm – 7.30pm, at Braid Hills Golf Course.

Tee off times are on a first come first served basis, and advance booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

Annual season tickets purchased at the Braid Hills Golf Course on Thursday May 29th will benefit from a 25% discount. This offer is exclusive to new customers who pay upfront (direct debit not available). Not available to concessions, combined memberships or used in conjunction with any other offers.

For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/braid-hills-golf-course or call 0131 447 6666.