Legacy of one of Scotland’s greatest golfers being celebrated in Grantown
Grantown’s favourite son Bobby Cruickshank is helping to put the town on the golf tourism map half-a-century after his death.
The legacy of the golf legend is being celebrated through the creation of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience at the town’s golf club where he first discovered his love for the game.
The experience launched this week honours one of Scotland’s most successful golfers while offering visitors the chance to step back in time and play the game as it was during his era a century ago.
It has received full backing from Bobby’s granddaughter, Diana Smith, author of ‘Wee Bobby Cruickshank’.
The Wee Scot - so called because he was 5ft 5in in stature - became world golf number one in 1927.
He passed away aged 80 on 27 August 1975 in Delray Beach in Florida.
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Half of the profits will be reinvested into the club’s junior programme to support the development of young golfers and ensure future generations enjoy the game.
The initiative has captured the media’s attention include a news item on the BBC’s national lunchtime news.
The Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience includes:
• a short film and photographic exhibition showcasing Bobby’s life and achievements.
• A display of memorabilia, including the opportunity to use his famous Auchterlonie putter.
• A round of golf with high-quality hickory clubs, played on the original Braid-designed 9-hole course.
• A nip of Speyside malt whisky, with an optional whisky tasting (time permitting).
Diana has donated personal items and stories to enrich the experience, and has been named patron of the project.
She said: "My grandfather would have loved this! He would have been out there showing everyone how to hit hickory clubs while sharing a laugh.
“The creation of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience in his honour is such a fitting tribute to his love for the game.
“When I think of Bobby, the first word that comes to mind is fun. He always brought such warmth and joy to everything he did.
“The Highlands were his heart and soul. He had a special fondness for Grantown, the golf course, and the River Spey where he would often spend his days fishing.
“And, of course, he could never turn down a wee dram of whisky!
“I’ve had the pleasure of playing at the course many times – it’s a hidden gem with a charm that’s hard to beat.
“I hope that more people come to enjoy this experience, to not only learn about Bobby and the legacy he left behind but also to discover what Scottish golf is really all about.
“For me, the heart of golf in Scotland lies in these smaller clubs.
“There’s something authentic and magical about them – and Grantown on Spey is the perfect place to experience it all."
Born in 1894 in Grantown, Cruickshank’s journey to golfing greatness began at the local course.
He worked as a caddie there in his teenage years.
After enlisting in World War I and enduring the horrors of battle, including the loss of his brother and escaping capture as a prisoner of war, Cruickshank went on to become one of the most successful professional golfers of his time.
After moving to the United States in 1921, he won 25 tournaments, including a dramatic playoff at the U.S. Open against Bobby Jones in 1923, sparking a lifelong friendship.
Cruickshank’s career saw him rubbing elbows with stars, golf icons and royalty including Charlie Chaplin, Arnold Palmer and the Duke of Windsor.
Steve Stuart, of Grantown on Spey Golf Club, who has been driving the initiative from the beginning, said: “This is a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man whose story deserves to be more widely known, particularly here in his homeland.
“Not only will this initiative help preserve Bobby’s legacy but it will also provide a lasting benefit to our junior programme with 50 per cent of any profits reinvested into developing young golfers.
“Our slogan ‘heritage supporting the future’ stems from our intent to donate to the club's junior programme with the aim of encouraging more children and young people to take up the game and learn about a local golfing great.”
This new initiative has received support from the local community and a seed grant from the Berry Burn Community Fund and aims to preserve Bobby’s memory and inspire future generations of golfers.
The first Bobby Cruickshank tournament - resplendent with with hickory shafted golf clubs, tammies and trews - was played last Autumn.
Gary Dunn, Maureen Rayner and Steve Gannon claimed the inaugural Texas Scramble win.
For more information and to book a place on the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience, visit bobbycruickshankhickoryexperience.co.uk or call 01479 872079.
A bit more about the Wee Scot
Cruickshank won 17 tour events in his career and his greatest year was 1927 when he won the Los Angeles and Texas Opens and finished as the leading money winner for the year.
He had turned pro in 1921 and moved to the United States.
He rose to prominence in the US after reaching the last four of the PGA Championship in both 1922 and 1923.
He lost both times to eventual champion Gene Sarazen. Cruickshank was also twice runner-up in the US Open.
In 1923, he finished second to Bobby Jones down by two shots after an 18 hole play-off at Inwood Country Club in New York.
He was beaten in 1932 by Gene Sarazen at Fresh Meadow Country Club in New York.
