A Brief History of Cowal Golf Club

Overlooking the stunning Firth of Clyde on the beautiful Cowal Peninsula in Dunoon, Cowal Golf Club boasts a rich heritage that dates back to the late 19th century. For over 130 years, our club has been a cherished destination for golfers seeking a challenging game paired with breathtaking Scottish scenery.

Our Founding and Legendary Architects

Cowal Golf Club was proudly founded in October 1891, initially laid out as a 9-hole course by Willie Campbell of Bridge of Weir. As the club's popularity grew, so did our ambitions. In 1906, the course was extended to 18 holes under the expert direction of St Andrews' professional, Willie Auchterlonie.

Our course's true defining moment, however, came in the 1920s. In 1924, the club commissioned the legendary Scottish golfer and course architect James Braid—famous for his work at Gleneagles—to completely reconstruct the 18-hole layout. Completed in 1928, Braid's masterful design became the historic foundation of the course that generations of golfers have come to love.

Looking Ahead: The Return to 18 Holes

While recent years saw a temporary transition to a 12-hole layout, the future of Cowal Golf Club has never looked brighter. In late 2025, our members voted overwhelmingly in favor of an ambitious and exciting project to reinstate our historic 18-hole course.

With the first phase of this restoration project beginning in the winter of 2025, this is a monumental step forward for our club. It is not just about returning to our architectural roots; it’s about securing our long-term future, elevating our status as a premier golfing destination in Argyll and Bute, and evolving into an even greater asset for the Dunoon community.

We are incredibly proud of our past, motivated by the work ahead, and absolutely thrilled to share this next chapter with you on the fairways.