Overview of Askernish Golf Course

Located on the machair a mile (1.5 km) west of Askernish and 2 miles (3 km) northwest of Daliburgh, Askernish Golf Course was laid out in 1892 by Old Tom Morris (1821 - 1908) at the invitation of the owner of the island, Lady Cathcart, making this the oldest golf course in the Western Isles. Originally 18 holes, it was reduced to nine when land was required for an airbase in 1936. Thereafter, much of the land returned to is former use as common grazing, with sheep and cattle wandering freely over the remaining fairways. The associated golf club, with a small local membership, continued to play the nine-hole 5242-yard (4793-m) course with a par of 67. However controversy struck in 2006 with the proposed restoration of the 'missing' 9 holes and the return of the course, as close as possible, to its original design. Despite being one of few historic Morris courses remaining unrestored, some local crofters felt the need for grazing outweighed any economic benefits brought from golf.