Golf

Golf was never an established pastime on Coll and, apart from a small course at Breacachadh some years ago, has been restricted to visitors playing over a limited area of suitable bents. More recently a short 9-hole course was established on Cliad bents by regular visitors and the Coll Open Tournament is now an annual event during Glasgow Fair. Last year it was decided by a few keen locals to put the game on a more permanent footing by improving the course - making proper greens, extending holes, building tees etc. This meant spending money, so a committee was formed and a membership fee levied on those using the course for the purchase of flags, cups etc. and for the greens to be mowed regularly, which has greatly improved the putting surfaces.

Deciding on names for the holes incurred much discussion, usually at the 19th. The outcome is a mingling of English and Gaelic names of a generally descriptive nature (see plan). Two notable exceptions are "Bob's Rabbit" so named after the elder statesman of last year's regulars. He was spotted during the course of a game moving at considerable speed wielding a very ancient Machie Niblick in a vain attempt to end the days of a rabbit which persisted in digging a home in the middle of the third green. A "Rum Do" was a classic product on the 19th, where it had been decided that, because of the striking view of the Isle of Rhum, the 7th should be known as Rhum View. When on the site however, it transpired that Rhum could not, in fact, be seen at all, thus the eventual name!

Needless to say, further improvements are planned and progress is dependent on continuing support of locals and visitors. Particular thanks are due to Jock Galbraith and ultimately Dr de Vries for allowing golf to be played on Cliad bents over the years.

J. Fraser (Secretary)