Formed by a group of local men in 1922, Bothwell Castle Golf Club was officially opened on the 16th of June 1923 by the then Earl of Home (father of Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas Home). The 18 hole course covered a 110 acre site situated between the 13th century castle and the then small village of Bothwell.
In 1960 the club was unable to accept an offer to buy the course, which was subsequently purchased by a developer. By 1962, building proposals were in place resulting in the club losing 7 holes for housing, and having to develop new ground to replace these holes. This new section of the course opened in 1973.
Celebrating its half century in 1972, a week of events included an Exhibition Match in aid of Charity. The players included 5 times Open Champion Peter Thomson, leading Irish golfer Christie O’Conner and 1963 Open Champion Bob Charles, a late substitute for 1967 Open Champion Roberto De Vicenzo who had to pull out on the day due to an ear infection.
The club finally purchased the course in 1976 for £70,000, thereby securing its long-term future.
In 1997, to commemorate the Club's 75th anniversary, Lady member Sheila Beckett produced a book - The History of Bothwell Castle Golf Club . Thank you to both Sheila and Ian Beckett for their permission to post a copy on our website (link below).
In 2002, a devastating fire resulted in the complete destruction of the clubhouse. The club decided to build the replacement clubhouse in a new location closer to the centre of the course, giving us the wonderful facility we have today.
Officially opened in October 2004 by Richard Cole-Hamilton CBE, the Captain of the R&A Golf Club of St Andrews, the clubhouse at Bothwell Castle now offers one of the best amenities available to golfers and guests in the West of Scotland.
In 2014 the club hosted the Scottish Under 14’s Open Championship for both boys and girls, the first time a national championship has been held in Lanarkshire. 120 golfers mainly from continental Europe and some from as far afield as Argentina and Malaysia competed at the event.
Also in 2014 major changes were made to the inward nine of the course, officially unveiled when Master’s Champion and winning Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam, Scotland’s No. 1 golfer and Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallagher, and leading Scottish lady professional Pamela Pretswell played the course with club members.
Sunday, September 11 2022. Three major champions and one of Scotland’s leading golfers helped us celebrate their centenary year with a match to remember.
More than 300 members and guests saw Sandy Lyle edge out Paul Lawrie, Ian Woosnam and Stephen Gallagher in a Major Champions exhibition.
It was part of a day of festivities at the club, the club sits on the original site where it was founded by a group of locals in 1922, and came after Bothwell Castle Golf Club had opened their new Centenary Room.
Members also saw the new state-of-the-art indoor trackman practice facility also offers a fully immersive experience for professional and amateur players.
In 1997, to commemorate the Club's 75th anniversary, Lady member Sheila Beckett produced a book - The History of Bothwell Castle Golf Club . Thank you to both Sheila and Ian Beckett for their permission to post a copy on our website (link below).