They’ve been playing golf at Fortrose & Rosemarkie since 1793 – but the 15th oldest recorded club in the world have never been so battered by the elements.
The Highlands club suffered some of the worst damage in their history when Storm Ciaran wrought havoc at the end of October last year.
They were far from the only course to have felt the bitter hand of Mother Nature down the Scottish east coast, but the damage left behind by the gales and driving rain left a significant mark.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club had already set up a sub-committee looking at coastal erosion as 2022 came to a close and had been talking with Scottish Water, their local Highland Council, and Nature Scotland to find ways to finance and protect the course from the threat of storm damage.
“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said club general manager Mike MacDonald.
“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.
The club has started the work to repair and rebuild the damage and believe to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour will cost around £140,000 plus VAT.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie storm damage: How you can help this historic links
It requires around 110 metres to cover both tees and the area around them. It’s a huge undertaking and the club have set up a GoFundMe page, with a £100,000 target, to try and cover the cost.
The club also are keen to maintain access for members of the public walking along the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse – along with those tees.
“But without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult,” a club statement said.
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“By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely [upon] to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public”
Without a financial guarantee, no work can proceed and it’s estimated the associated costs to restore this land would run into tens of thousands.
MacDonald added: “It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so.
“All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.
“We really hope that as a golfer and, or, member of the public that you will be able to support us!”
If you wish to support Fortrose & Rosemarkie, you can visit – and donate – their GoFundMe page here.
Now have your say
Have you played Fortrose & Rosemarkie? What do you make of the opening two holes? How is your club dealing with coastal erosion? Let us know with a comment on X.
