Forfar Golf Club

Like London buses, when you’re waiting for a world first, three will inevitably come along at once. So it is at Forfar Golf Club, where 149 years of golf has secured a trio of little-known firsts that have nonetheless shaped the game around the world.

Recognised as the seventh oldest 18-hole golf course in the world, Forfar Golf Club is already known as a trailblazer. But perhaps less well known is the club’s status as the world’s first purpose-built 18-hole golf course in continuous use and the first 18-hole golf course in Scotland from inception. By default, it is also the earliest 18-hole course designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris.

The club is now actively promoting its historical credentials in an effort to ensure the much-lauded championship course receives the recognition it deserves. To support its endeavours, the club contacted prominent golf historian Neil Laird who believes Forfar represents a watershed moment in golfing history.

“It is the oldest 18-hole course in continuous existence,” explained Neil Laird, who set up the website www.scottishgolfhistory.org which attracts over 1,000 visitors a week, and is a member of the British Golf Collectors Society. “Forfar is the earliest example of Old Tom laying out 18 holes and therefore marks a milestone in golf history.”

He continues: “At Forfar, you have the beginnings of the idea of laying out a course where every hole is different – that is what people try to do now. Forfar is the earliest 18-hole course designed by the master [Old Tom Morris] that looks like a modern course. It goes right back to the very beginnings of 18-hole golf courses – Forfar was at the forefront.”

Although there are older courses that have either been extended or cut to 18 holes, Forfar was the first to be designed by a recognised architect with 18 holes from the outset; a world first also referenced in the book Why are there 18 holes by Peter Lewis. Established in 1871, the course was laid out by Old Tom Morris with 13 of his original greens still in play today.

Forfar is managed by one of Scotland’s most celebrated amateur golfers who recently had the honour of being appointed captain of the Great Britain and Ireland men’s Walker Cup team. Managing secretary Stuart Wilson said the role played by Forfar in the development of golf needs to be recognised.

“The history at Forfar Golf Club can be seen on the walls of the clubhouse and in our trophy cabinet,” he noted. “But perhaps less well known and less obvious is the important and historic role played by the club in creating the first 18-hole golf course by design. Along with St Andrews, Forfar was at the forefront of the development of the game and it laid down a template for future course design.”

Known for its unusual ‘rig-and-furrow’ topography, the Angus course has hosted a number of high-profile tournaments including the Scottish PGA Championship in 1932 and 1966, the Girls’ Home Internationals in 1997, the Scottish Boys in 1976 and 1980 and the Under 16s’ Scottish Boys in 2011. Next year it will again test the best when it welcomes the Scottish girls Under 16s tournament.

Despite its rich history, Wilson believes the club’s pivotal role remains relatively unknown. “We are very proud of the club’s origins and believe the significance of its historic role has been overlooked,” he said. “With our 150th anniversary in 2021 coinciding with the 150th Open in St Andrews, we felt this was a good opportunity to proactively ensure the club is appropriately recognized as providing a key turning point in the development of the game.”

Although the course went on to be re-designed by five-times Open Champion James Braid in 1926, it is Old Tom’s involvement that Laird believes is of greatest significance. “It is an Old Tom course,” he explained. “Although quite a few courses are associated with him, not all were laid out by him. In many cases, his involvement was limited to extending the course. Forfar is the first golf course I have been able to trace where he laid out all 18 holes. That is a milestone in the development of 18-hole golf courses.”

With Forfar due to mark its 150th anniversary in 2021, the club has embarked on a campaign to convey more widely its historical significance. One of the first elements of this strategy was commissioning award-winning golf course photographer Mark Alexander to create a series of images that evocatively capture the layout.

“The course is a fundamental component of the club not only because of its history but also because of the challenge it presents,” explained Wilson. “One of the first steps was to create a gallery of images that adequately captured the unique character of Forfar and Old Tom’s legacy. Mark was the perfect man for the job and he has created some stunning images for our campaign.”

Discussing his recent appointment as captain of the Great Britain and Ireland men’s Walker Cup team, Wilson said: “As much as I enjoyed my time as a player representing GB&I, I am determined to make a valuable contribution to the team as its leader and to help the players both individually and as a group. During my time on The R&A Boys’ Selection Committee, I was able to gain first-hand knowledge of the level of talent that was emerging. It feels like a natural progression to be taking on this role to continue to foster these gifted amateur golfers.”

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Close House

Golfers now have the opportunity to experience everything that 2020 British Masters venue, Close House, has to offer with the introduction of the club’s Country Membership initiative.

Situated on the outskirts of Newcastle, and the home club of European Ryder Cup legend, Lee Westwood, Close House’s Country Membership is open to all golfers residing further than 40 miles from the club.

Country Membership will allow players to indulge in the full Close House experience with access to all club facilities as well as exclusive members’ benefits, guest green fees and reduced accommodation rates.

“2020 is set to be a spectacular year at Close House,” commented Sir Graham Wylie, owner of Close House. “There has never been a better time to become a part of this exciting club as we welcome the return of the European Tour’s British Masters.”

Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Close House, added: “Becoming a Country Member is an excellent way for golfers living more than 40 miles away to experience everything that Close House has to offer, as well as discovering our fantastic member benefits.

“For as little as £66 a month, golfers can tee it up at a two-time European Tour venue and experience the full member’s package at Close House.”

Boasting the world’s only two Lee Westwood golf courses, as well as luxury on-site accommodation, Close House Country Members can unwind and enjoy a delicious meal in the ultra-modern, purpose-built No.19 clubhouse or head over to the PGA Academy where the professional team is on hand to provide expert tuition.

“Over the last decade Close House has evolved into one of the very best golfing destinations in the UK and, in many ways, reflects the vision of Lee Westwood, our attached Tour professional,” Sir Graham continued. “Being selected as the only venue to host the British Masters for a second time since its reintroduction is something we will be very proud of come August.”

Starting at just £66 per month, golfers can enjoy an extensive range of Country Member benefits at Close House, including: unlimited golf on both the Colt and Filly courses, discounted members’ guest green fees, unlimited number of stays at members’ discounted rate and much more. Country Membership at Close House confers full member status.

For further information on Close House and how to become a Country Member, visit www.CloseHouse.com or email craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk

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Contact Details

Telephone 01492 593400

Club Administration Email: admin@conwygolfclub.com

Visit the Conwy Golf Club website.

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Barassie Links 12th Hole. Pic Kenny Smith, Kenny Smith Photography

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club, one of the finest championship links courses in Scotland, is looking forward to hosting two leading female events at amateur and professional level in 2020.

The prestigious Ayrshire club on the outskirts of Troon has been selected by The R&A as Final Qualifying venue for this year’s AIG Women’s British Open, which is staged at nearby Royal Troon in August.

Final Qualifying will take place at Barassie on Monday 17 August, before a stellar field assembles at Troon three days’ later for the four-round event – won by Englishwoman Georgia Hall in 2018 and Japan’s Hinako Shibuno last summer.

Continuing their support of female golf, Barassie looks forward to welcoming world-class players for The R&A Women’s Amateur from 23-27 June. Won last year by England’s Emily Toy, the event has been staged since 1893 and past winners also include Leona Maguire and Major champions Hall and Anna Nordqvist. The selections continue Barassie’s impressive history of hosting leading amateur and professional events, having acted as a Final Qualifying venue for The Open in 2009.

Barassie Links 4th Hole. Pic Kenny Smith, Kenny Smith Photography

Barassie, which staged the Boys Amateur in 2010 and the Scottish Amateur Stroke Play in 2012, also held Final Qualifying for the 2012 Senior Open Championship and the 2017 Scottish Open. The club are delighted to now be achieving further recognition, announcements that reflect positively on the membership and to help attract further visitors to the west coast layout.

David Addison, General Manager, said: “We very much look forward to hosting these prestigious events in 2020, adding to the rich history of Kilmarnock (Barassie). Being associated with the AIG Women’s British Open is fantastic for the club, while The Women’s Amateur is another leading event on the global golf circuit. We are delighted with our selections which reflect the quality of our product at the club – both on and off the course.”

Barassie, which impressively saw Euan Walker become the fourth member from the club to represent Great Britain and Ireland in last September’s Walker Cup, has worked hard to maintain and improve the standard of its renowned links.

Last year, course changes – notably the addition of a new short 12^th hole – saw Barassie achieve a new look to help boost enjoyment and playability. Working with designer Paul Kimber, an area of the club’s property was identified to create the exciting new par-3 hole with good drainage, as well as removing two long walks between holes. After gorse was taken away and sand imported from other parts of the site, the new 12^th, known as ‘Hillhouse,’ replaced the former par-3 6^th hole.

To create a better link between the 5^th green and the former 7^th fairway, Kimber also built new teeing grounds near the 5^th green to enable play towards the new 6^th fairway from a completely different angle and achieve a right-to-left dogleg hugging the railway line. The total yardage for the par-72 course has reduced by eight yards to 6,814, while the standard scratch for all levels has remained the same.

Coupled with other initiatives, such as rough reduction, the course changes have been welcomed by members and visitors alike.

Rookie Challenge Tour pro Walker, meantime, has added to the club’s roll of honour, following in the spike mark of former Amateur champion Gordon Sherry and fellow ex-Walker Cup players Jim Milligan and Jack McDonald. For more information on Kilmarnock (Barassie), please contact: 01292 313920 or visit www.kbgc.co.uk 

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World’s best hickory players come together to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930

First event played ‘in memory of’ the great James Braid

The world’s best hickory players are coming together next month to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930. In a series of ten tournaments, starting with the James Braid’s 150^th Anniversary Hickory Open, the world’s top 20 professionals and top 40 amateurs will qualify to participate in the Final over Leven’s Links in October.

To celebrate the launch of the tour, the World’s Top Hickory Golfers will congregate on a special day in golfing history, the 6^th February 2020, at Braid Hills Golf Course for the ‘IceBreaker’ James Braid’s 150^th Anniversary Hickory Open event. It is being played on this day in celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of the birth of the famous golfer James Braid, five time Open Champion and Designer of over 400 Golf Courses in Scotland including: Brora, Bruntsfield, Dalmahoy, Gleneagles, Goodwood Downs,  Lundin Links, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, The Glen, Royal Musselburgh, Monktonhall, Walton Heath and many others.

The first match is being played over 9 holes at Braid Hills in memory of James Braid yet despite its name, this course was not designed by James Braid, rather, it is laid out over Braid Hill. The players then move on to the Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club in the afternoon for another 9 holes. The course was originally designed by Ben Sayers in 1907 and altered by James Braid in 1936. The course is challenging and fun, and will be a good test for players, including past World Hickory Open Winners Fraser Mann (Scotland) and Andrew Marshall (England).

To celebrate the commencement of the Tour, a first edition whisky, limited to 150 numbered bottles are being bottled by Hickory Forever and will be available to buy on February the 6th, 2020. To reserve one of the first 150 bottles, please get in touch via the Hickory Forever website.

Following on from the James Braid 150th Anniversary Hickory Open, next on the Tour calendar will be the Jack’s Open Pro Am played over Musselburgh Golf Club and Royal Musselburgh on the 8^th and 9^th April.

To find out more about where each event will take place click on The Scottish Hickory Tour 2020

6th February 2020 – James Braid 150th Anniversary Hickory Open

8 & 9th April 2020 – Jack’s Open Pro Am

24 & 25 June 2020 – First Icelandic Hickory Open 2020

7 July 2020  – John Still Memorial Trophy

18 & 19 August 2020  – Highland Hickory Open

6 – 8 October 2020 – The Scottish Hickory Final

Instagram: ScottishHickoryTour

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It was a great feeling before heading to the Rusacks Hotel St Andrews with my wife and Parsons Russell Terrier (dogs more than welcome at the hotel) on a crisp Autumnal day that we would be following in the footsteps of world famous golfers and rock and roll legends who have resided at this iconic venue overlooking the Home of Golf.

When we arrived we were greeted with a very warm welcome by conceirge and indulged as part of room service in a delightful afternoon tea.

We took the opportunity to look out from the balcony of the Tom Morris Jnr suite across the stunning views of the Old Course, Swilcan Bridge and the heralded clubhouse. It was a sight to behold and one we never expected to have envisaged.

Our evening 3 course meal was of exceptional quality and delivered with exceptional ease of service. Fully complimented with a fine bottle of Pinot Grigio!

Once fully replete we were able to relax and retire to our ample bedroom and slept like proverbial logs.

Morning sunrise was a blessing with our view and it was a fantastic opportunity to secure some scenic snaps of the Old Course for posterity.

We then took the full Scottish breakfast with gusto and yes, our dog had a good breakfast feed as well!

It was a wonderful stay and would be a high ranking destination on the bucket list to tick off for the discerning golfer and their loved ones.

Since our stay the Rusacks has been taken over with exciting development plans. For further details visit www.rusackshotel.co.uk

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 19: Lee Westwood of England poses with the trophy after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship following his final round on Day Four of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 19, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

• Lee Westwood posted a brilliant score of 67 (-5) to win by two shots
• Two-time winner Tommy Fleetwood and Frenchman Victor Perez carded rounds of 63 (-9) to finish in a three-way tie for second place
• Matt Fitzpatrick joined them in second place after an impressive 67 (-5)

Lee Westwood was a picture of composure on Sunday shooting a stunning round of 67 (-5) to win the 15^th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA by two shots to claim his 25^th European Tour title.

The Englishman, who has now won in four different decades on the European Tour, maintained his overnight lead and remained ice-cool on a beautiful day in Abu Dhabi to win the prestigious Falcon

Trophy with five birdies and one bogey on his card.

The trophy was Westwood’s first victory on the European Tour since the 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge as he became the fourth Englishman to lift the iconic Falcon Trophy.

Commenting on his memorable win, Westwood said: “I’m ecstatic. It’s been a good week. During the round I wasn’t really paying attention to what anyone else was doing. I was trying to control me, my emotions and my golf swing. I managed to do that well despite a slip-up at 16. I’m really pleased with how well I controlled myself all week. It’s nice to come out and keep proving that have you still got it.”

English compatriot, Tommy Fleetwood, charged up the leaderboard on the final day to finish tied-second with a sensational bogey-free round of 63 (-9) to equal the lowest round of the day alongside Victor Perez. Fleetwood has enjoyed enormous success in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA having claimed back-back victories in 2017 and 2018 and will be pleased with another strong performance in the desert.

Reviewing his week, Fleetwood commented: “It was a really good day. I felt that I got gradually better and better throughout the week. I struggled on Thursday but had a good practice session and then played well on Friday in tough conditions. I played so well yesterday but hit some ropey drives and missed a few putts. Today, I just went out and played great. It’s been a really enjoyable week.”

Frenchman, Victor Perez, also carded a remarkable 63 (-9) to finish one place short in his efforts to capture a second European Tour title, despite a magic eagle on the par five 18^th. Matt Fitzpatrick, the third Englishman in the top four, put in another impressive performance on the big stage to post a 67 (-5) and send a strong message to Padraig Harrington that he belongs on the Ryder Cup team once more.

Discussing his round, Perez stated: “It was one of those days where you get into the flow of things and play well. Obviously, I felt like I needed to have a good round and I’m pleased I did that today.”

Matt Fitzpatrick added: “I feel good about today’s round. Apart from one missed putt I wouldn’t take a shot back and that’s a great feeling. It wasn’t enough to win but it was a strong week.”

At the prize giving, Westwood humbly received his first Falcon Trophy from Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and was also awarded a unique, traditional Arabic bisht. Highly coveted in the region, the bisht is a fine coat that slips over the Kandoora. Designed with beautiful golden embroidery and two strings as a closure, the bisht is a chic garment that is usually worn at major events.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, said: “Our wise leadership team is keen on supporting and developing the sports sector in this country. It is one of the most important sectors and an essential component in every developed country.

Every year, and for 15 successive years, this distinct championship has ended with significant outcomes in all respects. To see fans and visitors from all around the world gathering here in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s message and approach to tolerance, and the true genuine values, customs and traditions of the UAE people.

Congratulations to Lee Westwood and I extend my appreciation to all the sponsors and organisers for pulling such a great event.”

H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated: “I would like to congratulate Lee Westwood on his victory in the 15^th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. This year’s attendance has exceeded all expectations, which came as the result of the amazing media and marketing campaign that was launched for this Championship, which has contributed to the attraction of golf fans from all over the world. I would also like to thank the media for all their efforts covering the tournament. 

This event is only the start of a series of international sporting occasions that will bring more World Champions to the Abu Dhabi, which falls in line with Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s commitment, and the approach adopted by the capital to be at the forefront of the global sports scene.

Finally, I would like to thank all sponsors and supporters, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the 15^th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA.”

Walid Al Attar, Chief Marketing Officer at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), said: “Golf has played an important role in putting the UAE on the global map, generating tourism opportunities and improving the quality of life of UAE residents.

“This is why Emirates Global Aluminium has supported the development of world-class golf in the UAE since the early 1990s – it’s another way we can contribute to the development of the UAE which is making modern life possible.  We believe the Abu Dhabi HSBC championship presented by EGA is a great event for the Emirate and we are proud to support this edition.”

Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO HSBC UAE and Head of International said: “Huge congratulations to Lee Westwood, our deserving Champion at the end of a wonderful week of golf in the capital. Once again we’ve witnessed special moments for the sport which is clearly thriving in the UAE. From creating once in a lifetime opportunities for our HSBC Future Falcons to play alongside the best players in the world, to a Fan Village filled with families and world-class performances by the game’s elite, we’ve had it all. Thanks to the commitment of our partners and all involved, the future of this sport we love so much is in very good hands.”

The 15^th edition of the tournament, hosted at The Abu Dhabi Golf Club joined the Rolex Series, which features the European Tour’s premium events, staged in a variety of golfing locations around the world, each with a minimum prize fund of US$7million. As in 2017, the Rolex Series comprises eight events, and showcases innovation, enhanced broadcast and digital coverage and world class players.

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Modry Las Golf Club

Modry Las Golf Resort has concluded an “unforgettable year” by signing its first-ever reciprocal agreement in Asia with one of the continent’s leading golf destinations. The announcement follows a remarkable season in which Poland’s top golf resort became a PGA National property, picked up its fifth World Golf Award, celebrated its 10^th anniversary and opened a stunning new clubhouse.

The arrangement between Modry Las and TPC Kuala Lumpur will see visiting members of each club enjoying complimentary greenfees while in Poland and Malaysia. It also marks a double celebration at the 2019 World Golf Awards held in Abu Dhabi where Modry Las picked up the award for ‘Poland’s Best Golf Course’ while TPC Kuala Lumpur’s West Course received the accolade for ‘Malaysia’s Best Golf Course.’

The award and recently signed deal concludes a notable year for Modry Las which also became The PGA National Poland during the summer. According to the chairman of Modry Las, it has been year that will live long in the memory.

“There is no question; 2019 has been an unforgettable year for Modry Las,” explained Arthur Gromadzki. “Not only did we secure PGA National status and gain recognition from the golf industry at the highest possible level, but it was also our 10^th anniversary. What a way to celebrate! Winning the World Golf Award for the fifth time has cemented our position as Poland’s leading golf course and signified our continuing efforts to surpass expectations. Signing a reciprocal agreement with Malaysia’s Best Golf Course will be something that our members, in particular, will enjoy.”

Described as the most luxurious golf and country club in Malaysia, TPC Kuala Lumpur has two championship 18-hole courses which have hosted numerous international tournaments namely The Maybank Malaysian Open, Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and CIMB Classic.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming members of Modry Las to warm and sunny TPC Kuala Lumpur,” said Steven Thielke, Chief Executive Officer of TPC Kuala Lumpur. “This club is strategically located less than 10km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre. In addition to the East and West Courses, TPC Kuala Lumpur has a plethora of world-class facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a bowling centre, fitness centre, racquet-game facilities, mini theatre, an expansive pro shop, six international food and beverage outlets, golf academy with club fitting facility, multi-tiered fully automated driving range, business centre and karaoke lounge. Likewise, its members are delighted about this reciprocity and look forward to visiting Modry Las.”

Modry Las, the only signature design golf course in Poland, saw the soft opening of its stunning clubhouse during the summer. The new 2,000m² facility contains 11 en-suite double bedrooms, a restaurant for over 70 guests featuring international cuisine served with the best of Polish hospitality and a fully equipped conference venue. In 2020, the clubhouse spa will be unveiled with a suite of saunas, a steam room, jacuzzi and state of the art gym.

Commenting on the success of Modry Las at the World Golf Awards, Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, underlined the resort’s stunning credentials. “May I congratulate Modry Las once again for this fine achievement,” he noted. “It’s a true testament to a wonderful Gary Player-designed course set in amazing countryside with perfect views. The whole world-class facility is a golfer’s paradise – a jewel in Poland’s crown.”

Aside from the accolades, Modry Las also took part in the leading industry golf trade show, IGTM, in Marrakech, welcomed several journalists to the resort during a dedicated European golf press trip and developed a new corporate website.

“Our aim is to give both our visiting golfers and our members a truly world-class experience at Modry Las,” noted Gromadzki. “The course is in fantastic condition and the new clubhouse is a superb addition to our facilities. Each year the number of golfers visiting Modry Las increases and 2019 was no different. Indeed, our bookings for 2020 are already looking extremely healthy. With the spa due to open next season, we believe our customers will, for the first time, be able to enjoy the full Modry Las experience.”

Visit the Modry Las website for more details.

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Crail Golfing Society is one of the Links With History golf courses

A group of historic Fife golf clubs is looking forward to a new decade after celebrating a remarkable year in which some of its best-ever figures were recorded. Links with History, which features a selection of the finest courses in Scotland, confirmed it had seen some of its best year-on-year booking figures during 2019 with some months witnessing five-fold increases.

The group was formed around four clubs and five courses that shared a golfing legacy stretching back 700 years. Featuring links, heathland and parkland courses designed by some of the legends of the game, including Old Tom Morris and James Braid, Links with History celebrates golf’s golden era.

This compelling combination of history and sport has helped the group record a significant boost to the number of rounds booked with overall year-on-year totals up nearly 25% during 2019. In fact, this healthy rise reached a peak during August when bookings shot up by 400% prompting one spokesman to call it one of the best.

“It has been a terrific year for Links with History with increased rounds being recorded across the season,” noted David Roy, secretary manager at Crail Golfing Society. “The increase has been especially pleasing given the geographic spread of our visiting golfers and the increasing influence of tour operators. In terms of year-on-year growths; it’s been one of the best. That said, our objective is to deliver memorable golfing experiences to all our visitors whether they play a couple of our courses, or all of them.”

Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golf club in the world and the second oldest in Fife after the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. In 2020, it will officially reopen the stunning Balcomie Links after a major renovation project during a special invitational golf day marking the 125^th anniversary of the course opening. Ladybank Golf Club is presently working on a bunker renovation project which will see 11 holes complete this winter and the remaining seven holes in the winter of 2020/21. In June next year, the club will host the Scottish Ladies Amateur Championship.

Visitors who have enjoyed Crail Golfing Society, Ladybank, Lundin Links and Scotscraig golf clubs during 2019 have travelled from around Scotland and England to take advantage of the special rates offered by Links with History. In addition, they have also come from Germany, Austria, Canada, the US, Sweden, Holland and Australia. What’s more, the golf travel industry is playing an increasingly important role in bolstering the figures with over half of golfers booking rounds during August doing so through tour operators.

“The group has been keen to offer something different to the well-worn paths followed by golf travellers to Scotland,” noted Roy. “This commitment has included refining our operations and improving our marketing endeavours with impressive results. Engaging The Word Association, which manages the day-to-day running of the business, has been key to our continuing success.”

The Word Association is a leading marketing consultancy in the golf, food and tourism sectors. It took on the running of Links with History two years ago after helping the group with its communication strategy.

“Links with History has an engaging brand and strong proposition for the golf travel market,” noted Yvonne Alexander, director of The Word Association. “We saw a clear opportunity to develop the business not only through improved communication but also by refining the management and engagement between the clubs and with the customers. Initially we focussed our efforts on the booking process ensuring it was as smooth as possible. Increasingly, we are looking to develop the brand’s presence in the marketplace.”

Links with History is a group of great golf courses and glorious histories. The clubs involved include former Open Championship Final Qualifying venues as well as trailblazers from golf’s golden era. For more information, visit www.linkswithhistory.com.

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Ganton Golf Club

Ganton Golf Club near Scarborough is set to host three major golfing events over the next two years.

The North Yorkshire course has been selected by England Golf as the venue for the Men’s International Match between England and France on 9^th and 10^th May 2020.

In 2021, England Golf has awarded Ganton the English Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship for the Brabazon Trophy, which will be held between 20^th to 23^rd May and attract players from around the world.

2021 will be the Brabazon Trophy’s 75^th anniversary and the fifth occasion on which the tournament has been played over the Ganton links, the last being in 2006.

The R & A, which, with its equivalent in the United States, governs the sport of golf worldwide, has announced that Ganton has been chosen to host the Women’s and Girls’ Home Internationals – England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – from 4^th to 6^th August 2021.

Ganton Golf Club 14th Hole

Club Secretary Gary Pearce said: “This is great news for Ganton and for the whole area. We are looking forward to welcoming these prestigious championships, and for competitors and spectators to experience what our club has to offer both in terms of the challenging course and the warm hospitality.”

For five Ganton lady members – Ann Briggs, Pat Smillie, Sara Gilmore, Naomi Edwards and Rachel Bell – and Emma Brown, the Club’s Assistant Secretary, the 2021 Women’s Home Internationals will bring back fond memories of their own time representing England at this highest level, some doing so for several years.

Founded in 1891, Ganton Golf Club is one of the world’s top 80 courses and one of only four clubs in the UK that has hosted the Ryder Cup, the Walker Cup and the Curtis Cup. The course has firm and fast fairways, notoriously cavernous bunkers and, being founded on a sandy subsoil, offers fine playing conditions in winter and summer alike.

Visitors are welcome to play the course during the week and at weekends. Bookings are to be made in advance and players must have a current handicap certificate.

www.gantongolfclub.com

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