Now, in 2025, Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club adds a new chapter to his rich story with the launch of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory experience-a compelling tribute to the famous golf son of the city.
Born in Grantown-on-Spey in 1894, just 400 meters from what was the original nine-hole course at the time, Bobby Cruickshank Golf discovered on the Fairways that many still like today.
As a young boy he learned the game and Caddied at the local club, which revealed his exceptional talent.
His promising capacity led to a life-changing relocation to Edinburgh under the guardianship of the Usher Brewing family, where he promoted both his education and athletic development.
That early foundation put him on a remarkable path – one defined by resilience, determination and triumph, culminating in a celebrated career on the American circuit.
Road to greatness
Bobby’s trip to golf quantity was not only formed by talent, but also by extraordinary resilience. His life took a dramatic turn when he hired himself to serve in the First World War, confronted with the brutal realities of the Somme and Passchendaele, where he tragically lost his brother, John.
Later imprisoned as a prisoner of war, the first prisoner he encountered was a Sandy Armor driven by Dyspenter, his pre -war golf coach. By buying horse meat from the trenches, he was able to take care of it again.
Bobby managed to escape by prove the same courage and determination that would determine his golf career.
After the war he channeled that spirit in his sport and became one of the most successful professional golfers of his time.
After emigrating to America in 1921, he won an impressive 25 tournaments, was the leading money winner from 1927 and ended twice in the US Open, including a dramatic play-off against the legendary Bobby Jones in 1923.
This play -off led to a lifelong friendship between the Bobbys. His wave period saw him rub shoulders with Hollywood icons and famous figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd, the Duke of Windsor and the Duke of Marlboro.
His pension party in 1965 was attended by Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and many other golfs.
Experienced Details
The Bobby Cruickshank Hickory experience comprises a round on the original nine-hole course using period equipment.
Guests will also enjoy a short film and exhibition dedicated to Bobby’s life, including photos, stories and a representation of rare memorabilia – with his famous Airlonie Putter.
The experience is about much more than golf with vintage equipment. It is a celebration of place and inheritance, a way to reconnect with the spirit of Scottish Golf in one of the most charming and historically rich institutions.
Grantown-on-Spey is not only a background-It is where Bobby Cruickshank’s lifelong love for the game was forged between the hills, Heather and Fairways of Strathspey.
To complete the Highland, participants are treated to a pinch of Speyside Malt Whiskey, with an optional whiskey tasting as part of the package. It is an experience that brings together history, heritage and hospitality in a unique Scottish way.
The initiative has the full support of Bobby’s granddaughter, Diana Smith, who has donated family treatments and personal stories to enrich the experience.
Diana Smith noticed:
“My grandfather would have liked this! He would have been there to show everyone how to touch Hickory clubs while he would share a smile.
The establishment of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory experience in honor of him is such a suitable tribute to his love for the game. When I think of Bobby, the first word that comes to mind is fun. He always brought so much warmth and joy to everything he did.
“The highlands were his heart and soul. He had a special preference for Grantown on Spey, the golf course and the River Spey where he often spent his days with fish.
And of course he could never reject a small dram from whiskey! I have enjoyed playing on the course often – it is a hidden gem with a charm that is difficult to beat. ‘
With the support of the Berry Burn Community Fund and the broader Highland Community, the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory experience Is a celebration of one of our golfs, ensuring that the spirit of the game lives on to come future generations.
To complete the Highland Welcome, guests are offered a dram of Speyside Malt Whiskey, with the option to enjoy a complete whiskey tasting as part of the package.
It is an experience that brings together the rich history, heritage and hospitality of Scotland.
The Dram Caddy delivers a unique journey that combines wave of world class with exclusive whiskey tasting-guided by local expert and enthusiastic, Hamish Malcolm
#GrantownonSpey #Golf #Club #Bobby #Cruickshank #Experience #Golf #News #Golf #magazine