By the end of the January 1904, arrangements were made for W Fernie
of Troon to layout the course for a fee of one guinea, with all expenses
paid. He won the Open Championship in 1883 at Musselburgh while he was
the professional at Dumfries. Mr Fernie went on to be the professional
at Troon Golf Club from 1887 to 1924. There, he was responsible for drawing
up the plans for the alteration of Troon's course, including the world
famous 'Postage Stamp' hole.
Hugh Millar was appointed green-keeper at a weekly wage of 28/-. A tool shed
was erected for £7.5.0, the purchase of a horse roller, hand roller and
Philadelphia cutting machine was approved at a cost of £14.3.0.
1904 Clubhouse.
The name of the club at the new course was to be Ralston Golf Club and the very
slender assets of the old Bellahouston Golf Club were transferred. At the last
Bellahouston AGM, the bank balance stood at £9.11.7, but the membership
was a healthy 129. There is nothing in the minutes of any levy being applied,
but it was resolved that the terms of membership for gentlemen be one guinea
entry fee and the ladies' section would be 10/6d Membership of the gents section
was limited to 300 as there had been a vast increase in applications. Members
of the Bellahouston Club who had not replied to a circular offering membership
of Ralston were dealt an ultimatum to reply by return - or it would be assumed
that they didn't wish to continue as members.
At a Special General Meeting on March 23, 1904, the committee advertised in Glasgow's
three evening newspapers that the entry fee was being doubled to two guineas
and the membership limit increased to 350.
A House Committee was formed and a special sub-committee appointed to prepare
local rules, by-laws and fixtures. It was resolved that junior members would
not be eligible to take part in competitions.
On Saturday 30th April 1904 at 3pm Sir Charles and Lady Cayzer performed the
"Opening Ceremony" of the course.