Ravelston Golf Club’s origins can be traced back to the vision of local resident William Shaw who lived in the village of Blackhall. Driven by his ambition to establish a golf club for both men and women in the area, Shaw leased three fields from the Ravelston Estate of Miss Murray Gartshore, giving birth to the club in 1912.

The club’s founding was met with an overwhelming response, as over 200 gentlemen and 100 ladies became members within the first few months. Today, more than a century since its inception Ravelston Golf Club boasts a thriving membership of over 600, while maintaining the warm, community-driven atmosphere that was central to Shaw’s original vision.

The initial course layout was designed by George Thomson, the head greenkeeper at Murrayfield., and remarkably, play commenced on the course just six months after the club’s founding. The first ball was struck in April 1913, witnessed by a crowd of over 200 enthusiastic spectators.

In the interwar years the Club’s Directors approached James Braid, Open Champion, and golf course designer to further enhance the golfing experience. Braid’s redesign and refinement of the course have left an indelible mark, with the current layout still reflecting the integrity of his original design. This historic association with Braid grants Ravelston members exclusive benefits when visiting other courses designed by Braid.

Ravelston Golf Club’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the recent installation of a new irrigation system in 2024, which has already begun to yield tangible results in the course’s condition and playability.

From its humble beginnings, Ravelston is a testament to the enduring power of community, tradition, and a pursuit of great golfing experiences.