The club was formed in 1817 by members of the St Andrews Society (later the Royal & Ancient Club). The heathland course with whins is interesting and always in good condition. In 1860 Captain Maitland Dougall, captain of the club was due to play in the R & A's Gold Medal, but a ship was in distress in a storm in the bay, and the Captain took stroke in the lifeboat and was five hours at sea before returning to play his round and win the medal.