Extracts from "Strathearn Herald"
Saturday 15th August 1903

The Countess of Ancaster Drives off the first ball.

The new nine hole golf course at St Fillans was formally opened last Saturday afternoon. The course is prettily situated at the eastern extremity of the village on the farm of West Dundurn, on the Drummond estate of the Earl of Ancaster, and it is due to the Earl, and particularly to his son, Lord Willoughby de Eresby, that the course has been provided, the latter nobleman having very generously been at the entire expense of having it laid out and forming it - W. Auchterlonie, the well known St Andrews professional, having been commissioned for this purpose. The ground, which is for the most part level, lies along the valley of the south side of the Earn, the river forming its northern boundary. At present the course is somewhat rough, but with further improvements it will in course of time form a pleasant and attractive resort for golfers....

Assembling round the first teeing ground - at the west end of the course - shortly after three o'clock, the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, Secretary of the Club, said they were met under rather disappointing conditions - disappointing as to weather, and disappointing in regard of the non-fulfilment of an engagement upon which the opening of the course originally depended. (Lord Willoughby de Eresby was prevented from attending by illness at the last moment). However they had an able substitute for Lord Willoughby in the person of Lady Ancaster, who had come that day all the way from Drummond Castle to represent his Lordship. (Applause). They would have been very happy to have seen his Lordship present, as he had taken a very lively interest in the new course - an interest which meant an interest in the welfare and prosperity of St Fillans. (Applause). In the name of St Fillans Golf Club, he would ask Lady Ancaster to convey to his Lordship their gratitude for the favourable terms on which he had given the golf course to the Club. As a rule Golf Clubs had to make their courses, and started with a financial debt, but the St Fillans Golf Club had everything done for them. (Applause). Lord Willoughby had presented the course to them ready made, so to speak, and he therefore thought they had started that course under the most favourable auspices. (Applause).....

He thought no one would dispute that the situation of the St Fillans golf course, in regard to natural surroundings, was unsurpassed in the country, if not the world - (applause) - surrounded as it was by a magnificent amphitheatre of hills, and kneeling at the foot of the hill of the saint whose mystic presence he hoped would mollify the angry feelings and strong language of golfers who had got "befoozled" or "bunkered" in their progress over the course. (Laughter and applause).

St Fillans Golf Clubhouse pre 1975.

The changing rooms were an addition to the original building.
Click on image to open larger version.

"It was agreed to that the Secretary put up a notice requesting the use of iron clubs on all teeing grounds except the 4th and 8th to be discontinued".
4th May 1934.

"The dishwasher, Miss Brown, would receive £1 for her duty"
19th February 1965.

"The committee shall have the power to raise Sunday Green Fees to not more than 4/- as a temporary measure, if the course becomes crowded".
2nd March 1965.

"The new motor mower had been purchased at a cost of £85-10/-, Mr Strang reported that it was working well. A gang mower had been delivered from Dunblane Golf Club at a cost of £9. Mr Robertson was carrying out repairs to put it into running order".
17th May 1965.

"The Secretary was instructed to write tothe Labour Exchange in Perth enquiring if any discharge soldier could be recommended for the post of Green-keeper. he was also instructed to advertise in the Strathearn Herald and the Scotsman, for a Green-keeper."
"...he was further instructed to write to Mr Ewing, Factor for the Earl of Ancaster, to enquire if he would cause to be erected a small lavatory or convenience at the back of the Club House for the use of ladies, or authorise the Committee to erect one"
3rd March 1920.

"It was agreed to allow the football team to erect goalposts and play on the course. The site of the playing ground to be decided by a sub-committee"!
7th December 1928.

"it was agreed that the Club pay for the Hire of Cars for players that went to Killin"
September 17th 1928.

"It was agreed that for entertaining visitors at inter-club matches, players would be asked to pya 3/6 per head to cover costs. Achray Hotel to be asked to cater for home matches".
17th May 1965