Welcome to the James Braid Golfing Society
So now we come to the end of 2023 and the final events were held in Fife, in glorious weather. It started with a match against Scotscraig GC, followed by a Society day at Downfield GC with dinner afterwards. The final day saw a much anticipated match against The Golf House Club, Elie. Click here for the Captain’s full report,…
What a welcome we got in the Highlands, blue skies, little wind and courses in wonderful condition with loads of run on the ball. Don’t they all look fantastic and so inviting? No excuses then this year! Click here for the Captain’s full report. However, there were possible fineable activities going on before we even got started – practising on…
The first events held in 2023 were in Lancashire with a match at Clitheroe GC, and JBGS society days at Burnley and Lancaster golf courses. The weather was mixed, mostly sunny, very windy especially on top of the moors at Burnley and a short, but very sharp deluge at Lancaster. However, as always, a good time was had by all.…
North Hants – the short 8th from behind the green
Neath – the Pulpit, the spectacular 15th hole
The James Braid Golfing Society (JBGS) exists to honour the player, the character and the course architect that was James Braid. In the early years of the 20th century, he was a professional golfer, winner of 5 Opens and 4 Matchplay Championships, a member of the Great Triumvirate, with Harry Vardon and J H Taylor. He was also the first Chairman of the Professional Golfers’ Association.
The JBGS came into being in 1996 to celebrate his memory, as well as to enjoy the fun and fellowship that golf brings. The great Peter Thomson, also a 5 times Open winner, helped to set the ball rolling and presided over our affairs until his recent passing. We seek to uphold good values and traditions, meeting like-minded golfers wherever we can, at clubs which owe much to Braid.
We do so on an informal basis, with enjoyment of golf to the fore. Sometimes we play a friendly match against the host club, other times we enjoy a Society Day. On our visits, we usually leave something for the benefit of Junior golf at that club. It is one way of encouraging young players to enjoy the game of golf and to understand its traditions and values. Members of the JBGS constantly seek the opportunity to visit golf clubs with Braid-influenced courses.
Even while he was winning tournaments, Braid turned his talents to golf course design. He originated classics such as Gleneagles and Royal Musselburgh, as well as scores of ‘village’ gems such as Brora, Neath, and North Hants. Many others he extended from 9 to 18 holes, such as St Enodoc and Hankley Common, or revised existing layouts, such as Fortrose & Rosemarkie and Carnoustie. His designs have stood the test of time well.
Contact details: if you would like to meet members of the Braid Society and enjoy some convivial golf, then do please get in touch at admin@thebraidsociety.com