Chapter 4 part 1 - JUST A MINUTE 2

(1894 - 1943)

The middle fifty years of our Club were eventful ones. In 1905 we purchased our first Clubhouse in Links Place. it was enlarged in 1922 when the property next door was acquired and in 1933 the decision to buy our present building was taken. The details are given in a separate chapter.

In this period our Cornmittecs had to face the problems created by two World Wars in addition to handling the considerable financial burdens which these purchases entailed.

Reading the Minutes you can smile occasionally at their niggardliness on some matters. They complained about the excessive use of electricity or the cost of our first telephone and watched the price of our coal bills. They did not suffer Bar Deficits gladly and Stewards who showed too many losses were shown the door without compunction. One Steward left owing the Club £30. When be died two years later the Club's lawyer was instructed to reclaim it from his estate if the opportunity arose.

These committees watched the pennies very carefully but when major decisions involving large capital expenditures on properties were required they took them quickly and decisively. They deserve our admiration and thanks.

By the 1890's St. Andrews Golf Club had become very powerful indeed. in the 1895 British Amateur Championship held in the town the winner, L. Balfour-Melville of the R & A, had to go to the 19th to beat W. Greig in the Quarter Finals and repeat this to defeat L. Auchterlonie in the Semi Final. It tells you something of the quality of their opponent that he defeated J. Ball, the best Amateur of the day and Open Champion that year in the Final.

The Evening Telegraph of 12/12/94 had this to say about us:

"A good deal has been written during the present year about the many brilliant golfers connected with the St. Andrews Club. On more than one occasion Mr. H. Hilton (who 1 should say, is about as competent a judge of golf as any one living) has favoured the readers of the Sporting Chronicle with "notes" regarding some of the more noted members of the Club, while several well-known writers on golfing matters have confirmed - what is pretty generally known throughout Fife and Forfarshire at any rate - the opinion that the members of the St. Andrews Club in the field of golf could give points to almost any other Society. It was stated in a Scotch newspaper not many weeks ago that twelve members of the St. Andrews Club could hold their own against twelve members of any other Club bar the Royal and Ancient. 1 think the latter Club might have been with safety included without doing very much damage to the reputation of the Artisan Club."

This picture of the second tee on the Old Course dates to arounnd 1894

Hell Bunker - one hundred years ago

Certainly we had a good conceit of ourselves as this letter from our Secretary illustrates:

To the Editor of The Golfer.

Sir,

St. Andrews, 2nd April 1895

1 notice in your "English Notes" Column of last week an extract from the Sporting Chronicle, written by Mr. Hilton, anent the excellent scoring by the members of the St. Andrews Golf Club. Perhaps it may interest your readers to learn that, over a series of four competitions held on consecutive Saturdays, the scores of the first 12 men average 86 1-6th.

Taking into consideration the facts that on two of the Saturdays a troublesome wind blew, that the putting- greens, as is usual at this time of year, were very untrue, and that the competitions were the first after a long "lock-out" caused by the frost, the record is, without doubt, an exceptional one. With the green in its normal condition, the above average could by the same men be considerably reduced.

Whether these men could successfully cope with any other 12 players in the kingdom over a neutral green is, of course, difficult to say, but one thing is certain, and that is, to beat them their opponents would require to play golf.

1 am, &c.,

Jas. Stewart, Hon. Secy.,
St. Andrews Golf Club.

The difference between self confidence and arrogance is a fine one. Our bold talk occasionally produced an acerbic response. H. Hilton, a prominent golfer and golf writer of the day, was not so enthusiastic about our claims.

Mr. Hilton, writing in the Sporting Chronicle, says, in regard to the St. Andrews Club, "A contemporary draws attention to the excellent scoring by the members of the St. Andrews Club in their competitions, and draws thereby somewhat odious comparison with the score sheets of our local clubs. He modifies the comparison, however, by remarking at the conclusion: "Of course we have to allow a little, as the circumstances of the players are slightly different." True, certainly, but hardly true enough, as the expression should have been: "We have to allow a great deal, as the circumstances are very different." Golf is, comparatively speaking, in its infancy in Manchester, and with the exception of a few Scotchmen, who have migrated south, the players in the district are all recruited from golfers who have taken up the game many years after the time in life which is the usually recognised limit for the making of a first- class player. The St Andrews Club (not to be confounded with the Royal and Ancient) is mainly recruited from the ranks of the artisan class and, as all the youth of St. Andrews take to golf as naturally as a duck to water, it is not to be wondered at that the average of play amongst the members is of a very high class. When in St Andrews, some two years ago, a member of the St Andrews Club made the statement to me that St Andrews could turn out twelve players (independent of the Royal and Ancient Club) who could hold their own with any other twelve players in the kingdom, if the match was played over St. Andrews. I have no doubt that the statement would be proved to be correct; but if played on a neutral green I hardly think they would prove so successful."

The 1897 match between ourselves and Forfarshire does confirm the depth of talent we had at that time as this contemporary newspaper report indicates.

GOLF
IMPORTANT MATCH AT MONIFIETH

St Andrews v. Forfarshire

What is probably the most important and interesting match that has yet been played on Monifieth Links came off on Saturday afternoon between teams representing the St Andrews Club on the one side and players selected from Clubs located in Forfarshire on the other. Mr. David Anderson of the Grange and Mr. William Young, the Secretary of the Monifieth Club, had most to do in getting up the contest and carrying through the arrangements. There was an evident desire on the part of the promoters to make the county team as representative of the various Clubs as possible, and places were allotted to members of the Monifieth, Panmure, Broughty, Dundee Advertiser, and Dundee Licensed Victuallers Clubs, while most of the Clubs who play on Carnoustie, Montrose, Arbroath, and Forfar had representatives forward. The course was specially prepared for the event, the tees being placed as far back as possible and on the most suitable sites, while the putting-greens were in good order. The strangers expressed satisfaction with the condition of the Links generally. The interested spectators either followed the players round the course or squatted on different parts of the Links, and made eager inquiries regarding the progress of the different couples as they passed.

FORFARSHIRE	Holes	ST ANDREWS	Holes
George Wright, Monifeith	0	I. Auchterlonie	0
David Bell, Carnoustie	1	J.C. Rose	0
Alex. Keillor, Montrose	4	William Greig	0
Robert Scott, Carnoustie	0	James Robb	4

Tom Morris on the first tee at the end of the last century

St. Andrews Golf Club v Forfarshire 1897

Robert Winton, Montrose	0	James Anderson	7
Wm. Lorimer, Monifieth	0	Fred Herd	1
John G. Cobb, Montrose	4	W.A. Anderson	0
Wm. Hucheson, Monifieth	0	David Simpson	3
Alex. Cant, Carnoustie	2	Thomas Robb	0
W. Still, Dundee Advertiser	0	Robert Braid	0
Alex. Smith, Carnoustie	1	David Leitch	0
Jas. Findlay, Montrose	3	Walter Anderson	0
Jas. Simpson, Carnoustie	0	William Fogo	0
L.S. Smith, Montrose	1	Robert McAndrew	0
David Dargie, Monifieth	0	Thomas Auchterlonie	2
T. Jamieson, Carnoustie	0	Joe Auchterlonie	2
Charles Simpson, do.	0	A.F. Duncan	5
Robert Simpson, jun, do	0	Peter Walker	2
J.C. Burns, Monifieth	0	James Kirk	3
Wm. Ballingall, Partmure	0	A.H. Manson	8
James Brodie, Forfar	0	Joe Mackie	8
J.B. Ballingall	0	Andrew Anderson	3
George Oswald, Broughty	0	George Braid	1
Wm. Young, Monifieth	7	Peter Craig	0
David Anderson, Panmure	0	Alexander Strath	3
Total	23	Total	52

Majority for St Andrews, 29 holes

ST ANDREWS INVINCIBLE

At the close of the match the players were entertained to a very substantial tea in the Literary Institute by Mr. David Anderson, who captained the county team. Mr. Anderson presided. After tea the Chairman expressed the pleasure he felt in seeing all the strangers present. The Monifieth Club had had many matches with their St. Andrews friends, but found they could never hold their own with them. It was thought that possibly with a combination such as they had that day they might come nearer the goal to which they aimed. The result, however, had shown them that the St. Andrews men were virtually invincible. There was hardly a Club in the world that could stand against them. They all, he was sure, welcomed the St. Andrews men to Monifieth most heartily, and he hoped to meet them again on some future occasion. (Applause.) In getting a tearn together he had been most ably assisted by Mr. Wm. Young, the Hon. Secretary of the Monifieth Club, who had performed the greater part of the clerical work. The number of players in Forfarshire attached to 23 Clubs lie computed at something like 4000, and out of these their team had been chosen. The St. Andrews Club, on the other hand, nominally numbered 94 players, and the result of the match showed that the St. Andrews men were made of very good stuff. They hoped, however, to bring together a better team to represent the county than they had had that day.

Ordinary Club members doubtless enjoyed the reflected glory of the team players but still took pleasure in the regular club competitions and the prizes which went with them The range and variety of prizes was considerable as this entry shows:

17 prizes were distributed.

Mr. G. Bruce, 2 vols. value 20/-, Mr. Tom Stewart, Cleek and Iron value 11/-, Mr. McAndrew, Cleek head, A. Price, Bun 2/6. A. Wilson, Bun 2/6-, A. Dick, Picture, Mr. Berwick, Charm, Bob Martin, Club, Mr. Leslie, 1 Bott Whiskey & Ipt. wine, Mr. Suttie, Case Lemonade, J. Flemino, 1 Bott Whiskey, Bill Smart, Shortbread, K. Condie, 2 Iron heads, Mr. Niven, Duck & Hen, G. Lorimer, 1 Bott Whiskey.

Tile Starter's Box, Old Course

30th January 1895

"Capt. Stewart thereafter stated that it had been the wish of the Club that their honoured friend and fellow member Mr. W. Ayton, should be the recipient of a small token of regard on his completion of 50 years connection with the Club. Vice Capt. Milne Thompson in a pithy speech presented Mr. Ayton with a handsome silver mounted walking stick bearing the following inscription. "Presented to Mr. W. Ayton by the members of St. Andrews Golf Club as a mark of their respect on his completing his 50th year as a member".

27th May 1895

"The first business before the meeting was the question of entering men in the Open Championship. After discussion it was moved by Mr. Rose and seconded by Mr. Milne that any member of the Club entering should do so at his own expense but should he finish in the first 12 and refuse to take a money prize his entry money be refunded by the Club".

6th August 1895

"A Long Driving Competition was held on this date and resulted as follows:

lst Wm. Anderson 222yds. 1ft.
2nd L. Auchterlonic 220yds, 2ft
3rd D. Simpson 218yds 2ft

Conditions were best ball out of 3 to count. Roll included. Limit per width 60 yards".

20th August 1895

It was agreed to hold an Approach Shot competition on Friday night the 30th at 6 o'clock. For Club members only. Entry money to go towards prizes. 3 balls to be played. Points to be given as follows. In hole 8, inside Ist ring 5, 2nd ring 3, 3rd ring 2".

3rd September 1895

"The question of approaching the Amateur Championship Committee regarding the rule making all clubmakers Professionals was discussed. it was the mind of the meeting that the rule was most unfair but the question was remitted to the Committee for their consideration and to take what action they thought best in the matter".

4th December 1895

In the Secretary's report for 1895 were the following statements regarding the condition and doings of the Club.
Membership strictly revised 85
New members admitted 16

No. of Competitions		14
"" Rounds of the Links		23
Value of prizes	£21.10s
" " sweeps	£16.14s
Average net score of odds players			88.68
" " " " scr. "			86.89
Lowest score returned by L. Auchterlonic			75
Highest score			151
No. of Gen. meetings	6
" " Com. "	13
Odds Com. meetings	4
" " Informal Com. meetings	33

The Committee afterwards had an informal talk with Baillie Murray, a member of Green Committee anent the new rules to be issued by Green Committee. The Committee were unanimously of the opinion that 4 or 5 vacant places should be left in ballot places to be filled by those first on ground, that on Saturday afternoons ballot and vacant place should be alternate. These and others were discussed in a manner and spirit which Baillie Murray cordially approved and concurred with, agreeing with Committee's views so that he would have pleasure in laying same before Green Committee".

6th March 1897

"D. Leitch was not present to propose his Motion to abolish marking strokes on scoring cards during competitions. J. Robb, the sec. of Motion did not wish to press the Motion either but thought it would be better for the convenience of members and harmony of the Club itself to expressly state in Rule 5 that it is necessary to mark strokes as well as the totals taken to each hole. It was agreed to do so".

6th March 1897

"Jas Robb having won the clock presented to the Club by Alex. Herd, Huddersfield, was presented with the same by the Chairman who congratulated Mr. Robb in a few eulogistic remarks on his prowess as a golfer. Mr. Robb in acknowledging the prize expressed his satisfaction at winning. He was especially proud to win as the Prize was from one who was so famous in reputation as the donor. The Chairman intimated the probability of the Club being presented with a prize from another old member and celebrated golfer Willie Fernie, Troon, which would perhaps be competed for on March 20th".

13th March 1897

"A match took place today between teams got up by the Capt. and Secy. respectively; the Capt's team winning by 2 holes, totals being 21:19. Old Tom, A. Kirkaldy and W. Auchterlonie being Honorary members took part in the match. A very enjoyable evening was afterwards spent in the Golf Hotel".

29th September 1898

"The Secy read a letter from Mr. Grace. Secy. of the Rules of Golf Committee, in answer to one he had written asking his Committee's ruling as to whether the St. Andrews Golf Club's committee were right or wrong in a decision they had given defining a stroke had to be marked when a player's ball had rolled from its position and rested in another as he was addressing his ball on the putting green although his club had not been grounded and he had not caused the ball to move.

The following is a correct copy of the reply received. "As the player did not touch the ball or, by touching anything, cause it to move, it was not a stroke and the decision of the Club Committee was wrong."

"Attention was then called to a rule passed by the Royal and Ancient that the flag must be removed when within twenty yards of the hole and the following motion proposed by W. Greig, seconded by C. Grieve, was unanimously agreed to - viz. "That the rule recently passed by the Royal and Ancient that the flag must be removed when within twenty yards of the hole be not adopted in our own Club competitions."

"It was agreed to refer to next Gen. Meeting Mr. Wedderburn's letter asking a contribution from the Club of 10/-, 15/- or 20/- yearly re agreement anent recovering balls from Station Master's garden". This refers to what is now the Jigger Inn beside the Old Course Hotel

"Resolved - That in the event of James Nicoll, who has just returned from the War in South Africa, entering any Competition before next General Meeting, he be allowed to play".

"The Secy read Mr. Wedderburn's letter asking a Subscription from the Club of 10/ -, 15/-, 20/- anent getting access to Station Garden. Wm. Greig moved, sec. by A. Cummings, "That 5/- be given." J. Angus moved, sec. by R. Wallace, not to subscribe for the object contemplated. On a division Motion and Amendment each received 5 votes, when the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of J. Angus's motion".

"Mr. R. Wallace proposed that "As the 24th May was the date of the Inspection of the Volunteer Artillery, Artillerymen be allowed the privilege of playing on the Thursday previous to the 24th, and that they be allowed only to play on that day and not on the Saturday, and that no member except he be an artillery man be allowed to play on the Thursday. This the meeting agreed to".

10th October 1902

It was proposed by A. Dewar, see. by R. Scott that we do not give the Starter the usual honorarium of 2/6d as he did not give the members any fair play in Starting on Saturday competitions. Amendment by R. Wallace, sec. by J. Sutter that the Starter get his usual honorarium. The motion was carried by a majority. It was agreed to give the greenkeepers the usual honorarium of 4/-".

"It was resolved to hold the usual competition on New Years Day 1903. There was some discussion as to the place of meeting, to distribute the prizes won on New Years Day owing to the order of Magistrates to close all Licensed Houses on that day. lt was proposed if possible to hold one meeting on New Year's Day so as not to let old custom of meeting be broken".

"Proposed by R. Robertson, sec. by R. Wallace, that we do not give our usual order for clubs to Messrs. Forgan but give the order to our own members, Messrs. Auchterlonie & Anderson and Sons. Carried".

"Proposed by R. Wallace that medal prizes be divided between T. Morris & D. & W. Auchterlonie & Anderson & Sons, Sec. G. Stewart. As an amendment by T. Melville that Forgan & Son get their share. Sec. by Jas. Davidson. Motion carried".

"Mr. I. Walker having, on account of ill health, been unable to work and being playing and carrying for a few, Mr. A. Litster moved that Mr. Walker be allowed to play for the Medals; and that this case be made a precedent for guidance as in classing men unable to work with men out of work as mentioned in Rule of Management No. 13".

"This day the Monthly Competition for the Diamond Jubilee Medal was played in almost perfect weather. Mr. Simpson was first, his score of 74 establishing a record for score play on St. Andrews Links. Details of score Out: 3 5 5 4 5 4 4 3 4 = 37

"In regard to the Club's matches for the incoming year, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. D. Simpson, seconded by T. Young, to play the usual matches. It was moved by Mr. D. Simpson and seconded by Mr. A. Dewar, to revert to the old system of counting by holes in the matches. There being no amendment the motion was declared carried.

The Secretary was empowered to arrange suitable dates, and on the suggestion of R. Scott was asked to state that this Club only play against a purely Amateur Team".

12th April 1905

"The handicapping Committee met on this date in the Golf Hotel when the question of plussing the scratch players was raised. Mr. A. Dewar proposed and Mr. R. Scott seconded that the scratch players to be plussed and this was unanimously agreed to. The odds book was then gone over and it was agreed to plus Messrs. James Anderson, William Greig, A. Gallacher, David Anderson & David Simpson by 2 shots".

There is a Minute dated 7th August 1905 which starts "The Committee met this evening in the Club House, Mr. R. Wallace in the Chair." It must have been a most satisfying moment for our Secretary to be able to write "in the Clubhouse."

Immediately thereafter there is a noticeable change in our Club Minutes. Before 1905, they concern themselves largely with golf and social matters. After 1905 the problems of running the new building occupy a large part of our records. The week to week organising of competitions was left to a Golf Committee which occasionally led to friction between it and the main committee.

"Card Playing. The Secretary was instructed to put up a notice in the Club to the effect that complaints having been made to the Committee regarding the noise made by some junior members of the Club and that in future apprentices and junior members are requested not to play cards in the main Club Room but may do so in a room upstairs provided for that purpose and that no playing of cards for money or cigarettes will be permitted on the Club premises by junior members".

"Tea sets, etc. left over from Bazaar. Mr. Singer offered 10/- for these but it was decided to hold on for a bit".

"Professionals. Mr. D. Auchterlonie moved that any member who becomes Professional for time being shall be debarred from playing in Club's competitions. On returning to work for one month, however, he shall again be allowed all the privileges of the Club".

7th October 1909

"At St. Andrews the seventh day of October nineteen hundred & nine.

At an Extraordinary General meeting of St. Andrews Golf Club, Mr. Bell in the Chair. After considerable discussion as to whether Professionals be allowed to compete in all competitions, a ballot was taken, when it was carried by a large majority that Professionals be allowed to play in all competitions".

21st October 1909

"The Chairman reported that Mr. Munro had sent to the Club a new curling rink apparatus which he was willing to sell the Club for £2. After considerable discussion it was agreed to instruct the Secretary to thank Mr. Munro for his offer but to decline same as they thought it would inconvenience members reading". [This may have been a miniature curling rink for use indoors. The "stones" ran on ball bearings.]

"Fires - It was agreed to instruct the Steward to start the fires on Saturday first, 23rd October"

"It was agreed to instruct Steward to sell his existing stock of 3d and 4d cigars at 2d as they were getting dry".

"Leak in beer pipe. A letter was read from Steward stating that a burst had occurred in which he had lost six gallons of beer. The pipe being lead was not convenient and it was agreed to have a rubber pipe substituted. The Sec. was asked to instruct Mr. Auchterlonie to have this supplied. It was also agreed to allow the Steward for loss of above six gallons beer". [I wonder if our beer drinkers noticed a subtle change of flavour.]

"At St. Andrews the first day of February 19 10. In a meeting of St. Andrews G olf Club Extraordinary General Meeting, Mr. J.S Bett, Chairman. The Chairman explained to meeting that on account of a request by the Town Council that a continuous ballot be tried over the Old Course for say three months in the summer, the R & A (Green Committee) had requested other clubs interested to send a representative to a meeting on 25th.january to consider the matter.

The Chairman explained that he had attended that meeting and explained that Mr. Rutherford had proposed that ballot be from 9-11.30 and from 1-5. The R & A were willing to try the ballot in July and if a success perhaps August but on no account would they agree to ballot in September.

Mr. Singer moved that the St. Andrews Golf Club be in favour of continuous ballot for times stated but would ask if it was not possible to ballot from 12.30 on Saturdays, seconded by James Young. It was unanimously agreed that it would be better if no Starter were employed after 5 o'clock. Mr. Hill was asked to represent the club at meeting to be held on 2nd February to reconsider the whole question".

"Mr. Singer moved that the Professionals should be allowed free use of Billiard table during the Championship week - seconded by Mr. G.L. Munro"

15th April 1910

"Mr. H.M. Singer moved that. this year [lie team playing against Carnoustie get their train fares paid - seconded by Mr. G.L. Munro. Mr. D. Auchterlonie expressed the view that it was a poor spirit to encourage in the Club, he however did not wish to put an amendment".

H. Singer

15th April 1910

"Mr. H.M. Singer moved that. this year [lie team playing against Carnoustie get their train fares paid - seconded by Mr. G.L. Munro. Mr. D. Auchterlonie expressed the view that it was a poor spirit to encourage in the Club, he however did not wish to put an amendment".

10th May 1910

"Mr. Singer proposed that some little encouragement be given to those professionals who might find themselves out of the running early in the week and he signified his willingness to put up a silver cup and take his chance of the 1/- entry. After considerable discussion it was agreed to do nothing in the matter. The Secretary reported that he had written the Secretary of Golf Agency to the effect that the club would be at disposal of professionals during Championship week and that as there was a good billiard table it might add to the week's enjoyment. A reply was read acknowledging same and stating that they intend giving a prize of £1.10 and two of 5/- for a billiard handicap amongst the professionals".

28th October 1910

"Mr. Guy C. Campbell intimated, per D. Auchterlonie, that he intends gifting the Club with a Medal and Cup. The former he suggested should be called the Coronation Aggregate Medal and Cup be played for in foursomes as near the 18th January as possible to commemo rate the birth of twins".

13th January 1911

"The Secretary was instructed to write Mr. Guy Campbell a letter and thank him for the handsome silver challenge bowl and silver charms which had arrived and to ask him if he would consent to becoming an Hon. Member of the Club".

14th April 1911

"Mr. Greive moved that in future all Foreign members be liable for their full subscription provided they, intended playing in Club competitions, otherwise they be entered as temporary members for the six months at 5/-. Seconded by Mr. H.M. Singer`.

8th September 1911

"Mr. Greive moved that the bath charge be reduced to 3d. Seconded by R. Scott.

10th November 1911

"A letter was read from R. Stewart on behalf of Ball Committee requesting that the cups, medals, pictures, etc. belonging the club be taken to Town Hall on 17th curt. for decoration purposes and also asking them to close the Club an hour earlier on that night. Mr. Singer moved that the request as regards the cup and pictures be granted on condition that the Ball Committee be responsible for their safety while out of Club, seconded by T. Melville. Mr. J. Liddel moved that the Club be shut at usual time, seconded by J. Petric. J. Elder moved that the Club be shut an hour earlier as requested. Seconded by H.M. Singer. On a show of hands the motion was carried".

13th August 1912

"A considerable amount of discussion took place regarding the non-serving of liquor at bar while meetings were being conducted. It was finally agreed to keep bar open, but members to be requested not to hang about the bar and also that the door between large room and cycle house be closed while meeting is in progress. OnmotionofMr. IvVatson, seconded by J. Liddel, the Secy. was instructed to submit a monthly statement of the drawings at bar, money in Steward's hands, etc. and balance in bank.

The question of having a telephone in Club was discussed but it was not thought advisable to do anything in the matter".

"On suggestion of the Secy. it was agreed to hinge the lavatory door on right side of opening and have a bench fixed at back of door for members cleaning their clubs".

"On motion of Mr. Dixon, seconded by J. Elder, it was agreed that the fire in Billiards room be set so that members might light same if they thought fit during indifferent weather. The Secretary reported that he had arranged this".

"Mr. Dixon pointed out that the Caretaker's conduct for some time past had not been what it should have been and that the Club was not kept as clean as it might be. Mr. Liddel pointed out that the windows gave one the idea that the place was uninhabited. The Secretary was instructed to advertise for a Caretaker, married (with no encumbrances preferred) in Citizen, Scotsman, Dundee Advertiser and Courier. Salary£40 per annum with free house, coal & gas. Applications to be addressed to Secy. and delivered along with three testimonies by Saturday 22nd curt

"The Fire Insurance policy was looked into when it was agreed to have the undermentioned cups etc. included, viz".

Jubilee Cup	£25
Hugon Cup	£12
Guy C. Campbell	£5
Haig Cup	£10
McGregor Trophy	£5
	£25

31st July 1913

"The Chairman made a few remarks and complimented the members on the continuous prosperity of the Club, but he considered the tariff on Golf Courses might tell on our membership in the future, and he thought a combined effort by the local clubs should be made to secure a greater consideration from the Town Council".

"The Captain reported that he and the Secretary had had an interview with the Finance Committee of Town Council, when he explained how the proposed Tariff was to affect this Club. The Provost promised to give the matter due consideration and possibly another interview would be necessary to go into details. Mr. W. Watson who had been at the meeting complimented Mr. Dixon on the able speech he had made on behalf of the Club".

"The Secretary was instructed to inform Steward to sec that spittoons were cleaned out regularly".

"The Secretary read a letter he had received from Town Clerk intimating that Town Council had agreed to allow 20 non-resident bone fide members to play over golf courses on payment of £1 each. A certificate to this effect to be granted by the Secretary. The tickets to be granted to the above 20 members will be available on the Old and New Course. It was agreed that the members so affected should be notified and requesting that they let us know if they intend taking advantage of the rebate otherwise the places might be filled up by others".

27th January 1914

"The Secretary read a letter he had received from Peter Walker, Alloa, re tariff. Itwas agreed that the Secretary should reply in as curt terms as possible

The question of boys coming into Club to clean members' clubs was discussed when it was agreed that Steward be instructed to keep an eye on same".

"The Captain reported that Mr. Cargill Cantley had asked him to go to Cupar to give evidence in favour of Town Council in connection with the Bye Laws for Links but pointing out that he had refused as he could not adequately express the sentiments of the members of the St. Andrews Golf Club".

There is no direct reference in the Minutes to the outbreak of the First World War or indeed to the end. It is remarkable how little mention is made throughout the four years of the most devastating conflict the world had seen.

Other records show that around 70 of our members served in the Armed Forces and seven lost their lives. They won a variety of medals including a Croix de Guerre but only one is recorded formally - the VC won by Sergeant John Ripley.

Competitions and inter club matches were abandoned but the Club continued functioning though shortages of beer and whisky supplies caused members problems.

"A letter from Messrs. Thomson & Cantley on behalf of the Prince of Wales A.R. Fund was submitted when it was agreed to head a subscription list with £3.3/- and hang same up in large room so that members might have an opportunity of subscribing thereto.

It was also agreed to give £1.1/- to the Belgian Fund. It was suggested to take half of sweep money in the Autumn Comp. to hand over to the Prince of Wales Fund but after due consideration it was agreed to let the matter drop".

"The following resolution was adopted, proposed by Mr. R. Scott and seconded by Mr. Thos. Liddel. That members of the Club serving in the Army or the Navy during this war, should not be called upon to pay their Annual Subscription until the May following their return, and the Secretary was requested to send a copy of this resolution to all such members".v

"It was intimated that over 40 members of the Club were at present serving in the Army and Navy and it was decided to have a Roll of Honour made and exhibited in the Club. It was left in the hands of the Committee to arrange for a permanent tablet being placed in the Club at the end of the war giving the names of Members who had served". [There is no further mention of this in the Minutes.]

"It was agreed to insure the Property and Furnishing of the Club against Bombardment and Aircraft to the same amount as the Fire Insurance Policy and the Captain and Secretary were authorised to see Messrs. Thomson & Cantley and arrange this provided the Premium was not to exceed 3/6d per £100.

It was agreed to admit soldiers as Temporary Members at 2/~ per month if proposed and seconded by two Members of the Club, the latter to be responsible for the conduct of such Temporary Members in the Club".

"A sum of Ten shillings and six pence was voted from the Club funds towards Sergt. Ripley V. C. Testimonial and Messrs. Thos. Liddel and D. Jolly undertook to collect further subscriptions from the Club members".

9th May 1916

"Owing to the high price of matches it was decided that matches for the use of Club members should only be placed in the stand in front of the Bar".