The original 12 hole course designed by Old Tom Morris was laid out on part of the Milntown estate however little of that course remains today.
With additional land, what has emerged is a stunning 18 hole layout owing most of its allure to the wonderful design of James Braid. His standard links design however has become more parkland in nature over the years as the course has been toughened up with tree planting to afford increased drainage.
Braid described the land as having some of the best turf he had ever come across and this holds true to this day and Ramsey boasts greens to match, all maintained to the highest of standards. Add this to stunning scenery, on course and from the elevated position of the Clubhouse, and Ramsey is one for the golfer's bucket list.
The Club was formed in September 1891 - a first for the Isle of Man. Ramsey Golf Course was laid out that year by Old Tom Morris as 12 holes and was ready for play in autumn.
Manx Star September 1891.
The first Club competition was played on January 2, 1892 and featured Harry Vardon among the invitees.
The Club's most prestigious trophy was presented to the Club for annual competition by The Ramsey Town Commissioners in 1902, 'The Ramsey Golf Club Challenge Cup or 'The 'Town Cup' as it is known has been competed for ever since with the exception of World War years.
1907 saw the course being extended to 18 holes, having been reduced to 9 holes not long after its establishment. Jack Morris, a nephew of Old Tom ,was commissioned to design the course which features seven holes set over land reclaimed from a bog.
The course was purchased from the Club's landlord by the newly formed Ramsey Golf Links Limited in 1928. James Braid was approached to design a course to take it into the future. He did not disappoint, producing a much admired plan for a some 1000 yards longer course than the existing Morris layout. Although it has had some beneficial and detrimental alterations in the intervening years, it still bears the mark of the master-links builder.
With the 125th anniversary of the club in 2016 a book detailing the early years was planned.
Such was the volume of documentation of those days the forthcoming publication was limited to events over the first 65 years.
Even then there were a considerable amount of photographs and reports that did not make the book.
The Course of Time is available from the club office.
All Home Club playing membership categories include IoMGU and England Golf fees.
Ramsey Golf Club Limited
Brookfield
Ramsey
Isle of Man
IM8 2AH
