Antique Golf Clubs from Scotland: Clubmakers

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Clubmakers

William Fernie
St Andrews/Leeds/Penarth
Another William Fernie from St Andrews, born there in 1863, but no relation to the Open champion of the same name, this one’s parents having just moved to the town from Aberdeenshire. He was the younger brother of Peter but did not follow his brother into golf immediately, beginning his career as a cabinetmaker which is what was recorded on the 1871 census when he was living with his brother and their widowed mother in Links Place.

However, he did head south to become assistant at Ipswich about 1890 before moving on to the London Scottish club where Peter was professional. His own first professional post came at Headingley in 1893 where he remained until 1902.

1902 saw him move to the Glamorganshire club in Penarth. He retired as professional here in 1928 and was made an honorary member of the club. He did, though, remain as head greenkeeper, having been described in the Western Mail as ‘one of the greatest living authorities on greenkeeping’. His knowledge of course maintenance led to him designing around 70 courses in the British Isles including Southerndown (1904-1906), Newport (1922) and Dinas Powis.

He was also renowned for his coaching. During his time at Penarth, ten of its members won the Welsh Amateur Championship and another seven were runners-up.

Two of his sons Bob and John were assistants to him at the Glamorgan club.

He died at his home in Penarth on 25 August 1938.

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