The Association of James Braid Courses

View of the 3rd 4th and 5th holes at Henley

After just four years, the association has now attracted over two hundred and thirty member clubs from the north of Scotland, to Ireland, Wales, all areas of England and one in New York. As well as including many of Braid's famous designs - St Enodoc, Brora, Dalmahoy, Gleneagles - King's and Queen's, Scotscraig, Littlestone it also includes many of his 'hidden gems', village courses like Kirriemuir, Brecon, Dundalk, Elderslie, Forfar, Kilmacolm, Lundin Ladies, Goswick, Broadway, Peel and Stover to name but a few.

New additions this year include

Glamorganshire, Old Colwyn, AxeClif,f Brighton and Hove

Dean Wood, Droitwich, Haydock Park, Peacehaven

Ramsey, IoM Southwold, Thetford, Southport and Ainsdale

Sundridge Park, Arbroath, Bathgate, South Staffordshire

Cowal Glen, Hilton Park, Boat of Garten

Lanark, Lochmaben, Monifieth, East Renfrewshire

Mortonhall, Murcar Links, Panmure Old Course, Ranfurly

Powfoot, Ralston, Ratho Park, Royal Musselburgh

Stonehaven, Wishaw, Falkirk, Criagmillar Park

The man himself - James Braid in action

Courses either have to have been designed by Braid or redesigned or altered by him to be eligible to join. In the course of his life he was involved in designing over 350 courses as well as being the Professional at Romford for eight years and from 1904 till his death in 1950 at Walton Heath. In addition he won the Open five times, plus numerous other competitions, formed the PGA with Taylor and Vardon and is credited with inventing the 'dogleg' hole.

The advantages of being a member of the association is that the members of the clubs, can play at all the other member clubs for a reduced green fee, subject to tee availability, thereby hopefully increasing the awareness of Braid's work and of course the man himself. There is no cost to the club to join. Administrator, Michael Herriot, a member at Henley Golf Club says "I am delighted so many clubs have joined, as now 100,000 + golfers have access to many excellent Braid courses, which will help increase club's revenues, in the current economic climate, and their members' knowledge of Braid and his course designs."

for further information or to join the association please email michael@herriot9345.freeserve.co.uk or write to Michael Herriot, Association Administrator, Henley Golf Club, Harpsden, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4HG or telephone 07941 287914

See full list of member clubs on