The McEwans

The McEwan family business of clubmaking started as far back as 1770. James McEwan set up his business at Leith around 1770 and was to be the first of six generations of the family engaged in the art.

His son, Peter, who married a daughter of Douglas Gourlay, the ballmaker, succeeded James in the family business. Peter’s son, Douglas, took over and was then followed by the great-grandson of James, Peter. Peter’s son, Douglas and great-great-grandson of James, carried on the traditional craft, while Peter McEwan, his son, also a clubmaker and professional, was the great-great-great-grandson of the founder. (I hope you followed that!)

This was a unique family totally involved in professional golf and, although principally club makers, they were also first-class players.

McEwan’s factory at Musselburgh in the latter part of the last century was a hive of industry and many of the finest club makers served their time there. Peter McEwan, the last of six generations, was professional at Nairn for many years and prior to that was at Preston and Barassie.