Scarborough North Cliff

The following edited extracts are taken from the John F. Moreton and Iain Cumming book James Braid and his Four Hundred Golf Courses:

“Little has changed at Scarborough since Braid planned his eighteen hole course, to replace the nine hole course of 1909. His short 4th is gone, giving way to the present par three 11th. Otherwise, this much played course would be instantly recognisable.

The five holes on the clubhouse and seaward side of the road, 1, 2, 16, 17 and 18, give no real idea of the rest of the course. All is open and panoramic, if tricky. The other holes are on rolling terrain and among the trees, parkland rather than seaside.

In a stunningly detailed article, the Scarborough Mercury 20th July 1928 describes the opening ceremony performed by the mayor who proceeds to miss the ball on the 1st tee, takes off his chain, and then manages to dispatch the ball.

Braid takes part in two matches, a fourball and a foresome, which end up all square.

In the mayor’s speech (he says): ‘I would like to say a word about the constructor, Mr. J.R. Stutt. I consider it has been wonderfully good work to have been carried out in such splendid time, and we owe his firm a great debt of gratitude.’

Braid and Stutt would have been modestly pleased with this accolade.”

Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club co-hosted The Amateur championship in 1991 when Gary Wolstenholme beat Bob May 8&6 in the final at Ganton Golf Club.