Now, in 2025, the Grantown-Spey Golf Club adds a new chapter to its rich story with the launch of Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience, an immersive tribute to the town’s famous golf son.
Bobby Cruickshank, born in 1894 in Grantown-Spey, just 400 yards from the original nine-hole course at the time, found golf on fairways that many still like today.
As a kid, he learned about competitions and performed at local clubs, revealing his outstanding talents.
His promising ability led to a life-changing migration to Edinburgh under the custody of the Usher Brewing family, where he further promoted his education and sporting development.
That early foundation took him on an extraordinary path – defined by resilience, determination and victory, and finally reached the end in the famous career of the American Tour.
The road to greatness
Bobby’s great golf journey is not only talent, but extraordinary resilience. When he enlisted in the army to serve in World War I, his life took a huge turn, facing the cruel reality of Som and Paschidal, where he tragically lost his brother John.
Later captured as a prisoner of war, the first prisoner he encountered was the dysentery of his pre-war golf coach Sandy’s armor. By purchasing horse meat from trunks, he was able to send him back to health.
Bobby escapes by showing the same courage and determination that will define his golf career.
After the war he introduced this spirit into his sport and continued to be one of the most successful professional golfers of his time.
After immigrating to the United States in 1921, he won an impressive 25 games, was the leading prize champion in 1927 and was runner-up twice at the U.S. Open, including a dramatic playoff against legendary Bobby Jones in 1923.
This playoff led to a lifelong friendship between Bobbies. His golfing ability saw him rub shoulders with famous figures with Hollywood idols like Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd, Duke of Windsor and Duke of Marlboro.
Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and many other golf greats attended the 1965 retirement party.
Experience details
The Bobby Cruickshank pecan experience includes a round of using period equipment on the original nine-hole course.
Guests will also enjoy a short film and exhibition dedicated to Bobby’s life, including displays of photos, stories and rare souvenirs, including his famous Auchterlonie Putter.
This experience is much more than golf with old-fashioned equipment. It is a celebration of the location and heritage, a way to rebuild the spirit of Scottish golf in one of its most fascinating and historically rich environments.
Grant-on-Spey is not only the background, but also Bobby Cruickshank’s lifelong love for the game, in the fairways of the Hills, Heather and Strathspey.
To complete the welcome of the Highlands, participants will be sent to Speyside malt whiskey and will be served with optional whiskey tasting as part of the packaging. It is an experience that brings together history, heritage and hospitality in a unique Scottish way.
The initiative was fully supported by Bobby’s granddaughter Diana Smith, who donated family souvenirs and personal stories to enrich the experience.
Diana Smith comments:
“My grandfather would have loved it! He would be there to show everyone how to break into the Hickory Club while sharing laughter.
With his honor, he created the experience of Bobby Cruickshank Hickory, a homage to his love for the game. The first word that comes to mind is fun when I think of Bobby. He always brings such warmth and joy to everything he does.
“The high ground is his heart and soul. He has a special love for Grantown on Spey, golf courses and the Spey River, where he often spends his days there.
And, of course, he can never turn down the whiskey miscellaneous stuff! I’m glad to play it many times on the course – it’s a hidden gem and the charm is hard to beat. “
Supported by the Berry Burn Community Fund and the wider Highland community, the Bobby Cruickshank Pecan Experience celebrates one of our golf greats, ensuring that the spirit of the game keeps future generations alive.
To complete the Highlands welcome, guests are offered a large pile of Speyside malt whiskeys, with the option to enjoy a whiskey tasting as part of the package.
It is an experience that weaves Scotland’s rich history, heritage and hospitality.
DRAM CADDY offers a one-of-a-kind journey that pairs world-class golf with exclusive whiskey tastings – under the guidance of local expert and enthusiast Hamish Malcolm
