Before World War I, the family lived at Kempshott House in the civil parish of Dummer, Hampshire.

[2] In 1927, Basingstoke Golf Club bought Kempshott Park from the Rycroft estate, but not the house.

In the 1930s, Gourlay was the first female golf course architect in Britain, and worked as assistant to Tom Simpson.

[5] At the start of World War II, Gourlay joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service.

[2] In 1947, Gourlay became president of Surrey Ladies County Golf Association (SLCGA), succeeding Eleanor Helme.

She is remembered on her mother's grave in St Peter's Churchyard, Frimley, Surrey.

After her death, the SLCGA instituted the Molly Gourlay Award in her memory, for the lady golfer who has made the most outstanding achievement in the county of Surrey.