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Golf’s Modernised Rules Of Amateur Status Published

Jack Rayner — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 13:52:23 +0000

Golf’s new Rules of Amateur Status have been published by The R&A and the USGA ahead of coming into effect on 1 January 2022.

The work is the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply and follows the modernisation process of the Rules of Golf in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world.

This review, along with global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules.

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept.

As part of the modernisation effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

Accepting a prize with a value exceeding the prize limit (£700/$1000) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.
Playing as a professional.
Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programmes).
Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers.

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.
The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.

The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of £700 or $1000 in scratch-only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.”

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasised in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”

The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. These materials can be found at www.RandA.org and www.usga.org.

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Trust Golf’s ‘birdies for better’ raises $46,000 for charity

Jack Rayner — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 09:54:40 +0000

In their first year as Title Sponsor at the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, Trust Golf pledged their support to NHS Charities Together and The Ramathibodi Foundation in Thailand through their Birdies for Better Campaign.

Making a donation of $200 per birdie or better on the Saturday of the tournament, the field produced an impressive 232 birdies or better meaning a total of US$46,400 was raised for both of the respective charities.

Dr. Prin Singhanart, the founder of Trust Golf said, “It was an absolute pleasure and honour to be in Scotland for the 2021 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open and we had an excellent inaugural year as the title sponsor.

We are very proud to be making this donation to NHS Charities Together and matching the same amount to The Ramathibodi Foundation in Thailand and thank everyone in Scotland – especially our partners VisitScotland – for giving us the warmest of welcomes and the most stunning week at Dumbarnie Links.”

NHS Charities Together is the national charity caring for the NHS. As the national charity partner of the NHS, NHS Charities Together is made up of 241 charity members working with hospitals, mental health, ambulance and community health services across the UK.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity created their ‘Be There for Them’ campaign, which aims to offer mental health support to front line health care workers who have been negatively affected by the demands of the pandemic. So far, the charity has allocated £125 million in a range of projects supporting staff, patients and volunteers, including but not limited to, counselling services, 24-hour help lines and psychological support for post- traumatic stress disorder.

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising for NHS Charities Together, said: “We are very thankful to Trust Golf and everyone at the Trust Golf Women’s

Scottish Open for choosing our charity and making this generous donation. It was brilliant to see live sport happening again in Scotland – and even better to realise our wonderful NHS workers will be benefitting. We have 240 member NHS charities across the UK, and the scores from these amazing golfers can now help the NHS as it recovers from the most challenging time in its history.”

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Get into Golf with new Junior Golf Academy at Vale Royal Abbey GC

Danielle — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:36:24 +0000

Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, near Northwich, is launching a new Junior Golf Academy

A CHESHIRE golf club is holding a special open day to encourage more young players into the sport.

Ben Derbyshire, the new Head Professional at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, near Northwich, is launching a new Junior Golf Academy with a free Open Day on Saturday, March 4.

The Open Day, which takes place from 10am–2pm, is a chance for budding junior golfers to meet Ben and his team, have some fun, enjoy free golf tuition, free refreshments and learn about what the club has to offer young golfers.

During the day, at 1.30pm, Ben will be holding a Junior Golf Education Seminar for parents to learn about the Academy and how the children will be coached.

The Open Day will be followed by eight-week blocks of seven lessons and a competition week. This programme will start in mid-March, with sessions being organised for three different age groups – 4-7 years, 8-12 years and 13 years plus.

Ben Derbyshire said: “Both myself and my assistant golf professional, Brian Cassidy, are extremely excited to be starting this new Junior Academy at Vale Royal Abbey.

“In our previous role at West Middlesex Golf Club in West London, we built a Junior Academy with more than 60 juniors attending on a weekly basis. In addition to the standard programme, we ran weekly on-course playing lessons, fitness camps and psychology sessions for the children.

“The junior section became a thriving part of the club, bringing youth and energy as part of the club’s life – and our goal is to do exactly the same at Vale Royal Abbey. The Open Day is a great opportunity to learn first-hand what the Junior Academy is all about.”

Alison Lysons, Cheshire County Development Officer for England Golf, says: “Ben arrived at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club towards the end of last year with a passion for teaching people the game of golf and he has a great deal of experience coaching all ages and abilities. It’s great to see the plans he has put into place to encourage more young people to take up the game in 2017 and I’m sure the Junior Academy will be a great success.”

For further information about the Junior Academy at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, contact Ben Derbyshire, Head PGA Professional, on 01606 301291 (option 4) or email golfpro@vra.co.uk

Get into golf is a national campaign, run by England Golf through its county network, to inspire new golfers. Opportunities include beginner and follow-on courses with PGA Professionals.

They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766. Follow Get into golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at facebook.com/Getintogolf

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Munro Appointed as New Head of Events for Scottish Golf

Danielle — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 14:29:14 +0000

Scottish Golf has recruited Fraser Munro, a former Ladies European Tour Tournament Director, to the position of Head of Events.

The 38-year-old will oversee the amateur governing body’s new-look events calendar for 2017 as he returns to the world of golf after a spell in banking.

Munro, a member at Kinross Golf Club, boasts 13 years golf industry experience working with the Ladies European Tour and the former Ladies’ Golf Union, achieving a high level of golf administration, management and rules experience.

The three-handicap golfer is an R&A qualified referee and has officiated at more than 100 professional events worldwide, including the Ricoh Women’s British Open and US Women’s Open. He was also responsible for delivering the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open during his time with the Ladies European Tour.

After working in golf from 2003 to 2015, the University of Stirling graduate is now looking forward to heading up the Events team at Scottish Golf after a spell working for Lloyds Banking Group.

“I jumped at the opportunity to return to golf,” said Munro, who started in his new role today (20 February). “I have always had a passion for the game and been proactive in broadening and developing my knowledge and experience at every opportunity.

“To head up the Events team of a newly-amalgamated governing body is a great opportunity. There are some exciting changes on the domestic events calendar this year and I look forward to evaluating them all and looking at ways we can further develop the events going forward.”

Following a review, a number of changes to Scottish Golf’s national championships are in place for this season. These include the Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship featuring strokeplay qualifying across two venues – Prestwick and Prestwick St Cuthbert – while the Scottish Boys Amateur Championship moves from its traditional early season slot to be played concurrently alongside its Girls’ equivalent, hosted by Scotscraig and Drumoig respectively.

There are also changes at handicap level in 2017, with Scottish Golf providing the opportunity for club members of all ages and abilities the chance to play on some of the finest courses in the country and win some fantastic prizes. Notably, the PING Scottish Mixed Championship is to be a unique new addition to the calendar this season, with the leading golf brand sponsoring Scottish Golf for the first time, and the showpiece final to be held over The Queen’s Course at Gleneagles.

Blane Dodds, Chief Executive for Scottish Golf, added: “Fraser has an extensive background in golf event management, having held senior roles with the Ladies European Tour and the Ladies’ Golf Union and will add a huge amount of experience to our organisation.

“With an obvious passion for golf and a wide network of contacts within the industry, I’m excited by the opportunities that Fraser can bring to the existing excellent team. With a clear focus on driving service excellence and a real desire to ensure that a first class experience is delivered for the players, volunteers and staff team alike, I’m confident that Fraser has all the attributes needed to lead the Events team going forward.”

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PGA North launches exciting schedule

Danielle — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 10:48:07 +0000

PGA North is on course for its busiest campaign for years with several new fixtures and the welcome return of some old ones.

The Leeds Cup goes back to its spiritual home Cobble Hall, the PGA North Region Championship will be played at Bolton Old Links for the first time, and the long-running James Brearley Lancashire Open remains at Blackpool North Shore.

And the end-of-season Order of Merit will be settled at Cumberland club Carus Green.

Collective prize funds of more than £30,000 are at stake in the School Bus pro-am at Disley, the Campey Turfcare Pro-Greenkeeper Challenge at Hart Common and the inaugural Renewable Energy pro-am at Hull.

Regional secretary Jonathan Paine said: “As well as these events we will also be returning to familiar clubs for many of our fantastically supported pro-ams at Brough, Hazel Grove, Werneth, Delamere Forest, Lancaster, Crewe and Sand Moor.

“In all 2017 has a positive outlook and we hope that we will continue to grow throughout the year.”

Meanwhile, assistants’ rankings events are scheduled for Carlisle, Ellesmere, High Legh Park, Helsby, Northcliffe, Dore & Totley with the final at Bolton.

FULL SCHEDULE: http://www.pga.info/regions/england-and-wales-(north).aspx

The PGA in England & Wales (North)

No 2 Cottage, Bolton Golf Club, Lostock Park, Chorley New Road, Bolton, Lancashire, BL6 4AJ.

Tel: 01204 496137 Fax: 01204 847959

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BIG NAMES OUT IN FORCE FOR GOLF INDUSTRY ‘OSCARS’

Danielle — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 10:37:13 +0000

Dan Walker

Compered by BBC Breakfast News & Football Focus presenter Dan Walker, the 7th annual 59club Service Excellence Awards Ceremony, regarded by many as the Oscars of the Golf Industry, takes place at The Belfry, February 27, 2017.

The awards ceremony is the culmination of a day of thought provoking training seminars which all golf clubs are invited and encouraged to attend. The theme will see an expert line-up of speakers consider ‘what golf can learn from other industries’.

As night falls, 59club will recognise ‘Sales & Service Excellence,’ and offer individuals, teams, management & venues the chance to be acclaimed for their performance during 2016 across all business elements – sales, service, operations, retail and management.

59club will also present their coveted ‘Gold, Silver & (new for 2016) Bronze Flag Awards’ on the night to golf resorts and private-member clubs which not only deliver great service, but also provide excellent facilities for golfers to enjoy.

The Belfry, Emirates Golf Club, The Dukes St Andrews and Monte Rei are just some of the big-name golf venues vying for accolades at the Service Excellence Awards Ceremony.

Up for seven awards, the team at Stoke Park lead the nominations, closely followed by Emirates Golf Club and two Marriott venues Worsley Park and Breadsall Priory who are all up for six awards.

Dubai Golf will be looking to retain the title of ‘Golf Group of the Year’, for the third consecutive year and face competition from Arabella Golf, three-time winner Marriott and Foxhills/Farleigh.

The ‘Leading Individual Golf Sales Performance’ award will be hotly-contested with six individuals named in the list of nominations, including two from Marriott venues: Emma Thompson (Worsley Park) and Pete Turner (Forest of Arden) who are also joined by Graham Auld (Macdonald’s Linden Hall), Chloe Picton (Stoke Park), Jack Bowen (The Belfry) and James Sibbles (The Grove), also in contention for this award.

To ensure venues of all sizes are recognised for their outstanding levels of achievement, 59club took the decision last year to introduce two categories for each of the four following awards: ‘Golf Retail Manager of the Year’, ‘Food and Beverage Manager of the Year’, ‘Greenkeeper of the Year’, and ‘Golf Manager of the Year’. Clubs will again be segmented by their average green fee of either above or below £75 per person, to ensure that clubs of all sizes and budgets have the chance to win based on their market positioning.

Venues such as Breadsall Priory, Emirates Golf Club, Stoke Park, The Dukes St Andrews, Worsley Park, Yas Links and newcomer Louth Golf Club all receive multiple nominations in these categories.

Not every venue will win a major award, but 59club will be recognising the efforts being made by all clubs by presenting the ‘Striving for Excellence’ award to every venue attending the ceremony.

Simon Wordsworth, chief executive at 59club and a Fellow of the PGA, explained: “The event offers a great opportunity for those within the industry to get together and recognise the best individuals and teams for their outstanding performance over the past 12 months.

“The ceremony will once again illustrate how the 59club awards are like no other – recognising all venues, irrespective of size – for the level of service consistency they deliver to members and visitors. And it’s all judged objectively and quantifiably, as the results are based on real data collected by 59club’s team of golf mystery shoppers throughout 2016.”

Other awards to be presented on the night include: ‘Golf Sales Team of the Year’ ‘Membership Sales Team of the Year’ and ‘Golf Operation Team of the Year’.

The 59club awards’ evening – sponsored and partnered by England Golf, The PGA, Club Car, Toro, Golfbreaks.com, Tacit, golftell, Fluid Productions, Kennet Equipment Leasing, Colt Mackenzie McNair, CGI Insurance, Golf Retailing and 3D ifs – has always been labelled by those on the inside as a ‘must attend’ event, and its awards are all highly prized and this year is set to be the best yet.

59club has become the industry standard for measuring and comparing customer-service levels, analysing all key revenue streams for golf & leisure venues, and is committed to the on-going development of club managers and PGA professionals.

To book a place at the seminars, the awards evening, or both – taking place on Monday, February 27 – please contact naime@theaspirationgroup.com. Prices start at £75pp plus vat. For more information visit www.59club.com

Full list of award nominations:

Leading Individual Golf Sales Performance:

Chloe Picton (Stoke Park) Emma Thompson (Worsley Park) Graham Auld (Linden Hall), Jack Bowen (The Belfry), James Sibbles (The Grove) and Pete Turner (Forest of Arden)

Golf Sales Team of the Year:

Carden Park, Forest of Arden, Herons Reach, Linden Hall, Stoke Park and The Grove.

Golf Membership Sales Team of the Year:

Breadsall Priory, Carden Park, Forest of Arden, Herons Reach, Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club.

Leading Individual Golf Membership Performance:

Debbie Hollis (Breadsall Priory), Gary Beves (Goodwood), Matt Mustow (Herons Reach), Rashid Hamood (Dubai Creek), Rhys James (Emirates Golf Club) and Steve Webster (Worsley Park)

Leisure Membership Sales Team of the Year:

Celtic Manor, Cranleigh, Stoke Park, Dubai Creek, Emirates Golf Club and The Vale.

Golf Operation Team of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Breadsall Priory, Kingswood, Louth Golf Club, The Mere, Tudor Park and Worsley Park

Golf Operation Team of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Dubai Creek, Emirates Golf Club, Monte Rei, Stoke Park, The Dukes – St Andrews and The Grove.

Golf Retail Manager of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Ayden Roberts-Jones (The Dukes, St Andrews), Carmen Laguna (Son Muntaner) Darren Wood (Royal Automobile Club), Kristoff Both (Alcanada), Rob Sturgeon (The Addington) and Tim Harris (Stoke Park).

Golf Retail Manager of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Joe Smith (Hollins Hall),Lauren Dickenson (Breadsall Priory), Mike Platt (Carden Park), Nick Taylor (Louth Golf Club), Paul Heaton (Herons Reach) and Steve Hindle (Worsley Park).

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Angelos Kyrousis (Gleneagles), David Abel (Roehampton Club), Grant Ross (The Dukes, St Andrews), Mohamed Hidhayath (Yas Links), Moses Solomon (Royal Automobile Club) and Tinicka Young (Forest of Arden)

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year – Under £75 green fee

Darren Mercer (Worsley Park), Graziano Sem (Castelconturbia), Mike Norton (Hill Valley), Paul O’Hara (Rockliffe Hall), Ryan Gill (Meon Valley) and Will Green (Ramside Hall)

Greenkeeper of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Angus MacLeod (Belfry), Alex Millar (Stoke Park), Craig Haldane (Emirates Golf Club), Mike Clarke (Yas Links), Phillip Chiverton (The Grove), Scott Fenwick (Gleneagles) and Stewart Duff (Gullane Golf Club)

Greenkeeper of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Barry Robinson (Portal), Dave Beardwood (Spey Valley), Davy Cuthbertson & Jon Wyer (Rockliffe Hall), Ian Brawn (Worsley Park), John Smith (Breadsall Priory), Richard Banning (Bolton Golf Club) and Simon Berry (Goodwood)

Golf Manager of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Anna Darnell (The Grove), Ayden Roberts-Jones (The Dukes, St Andrews), Barney Coleman (Emirates Golf Club), David Shepherd (The Scandinavian), Howie Roberts (Yas Links), Stephen Hubner (Dubai Creek) and Stuart Collier (Stoke Park).

Golf Manager of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Adam Moule (Royal Birkdale), Davy Cuthbertson (Rockliffe Hall), Henry Alliss (Old Thorns), Mark Stewart (Kingswood), Neal Grist (Meon Valley), Richard Bowman (Herons Reach) and Steve Turner (Breadsall Priory).

Golf Group of the Year:

Arabella Golf, Dubai Golf, Foxhills / Farleigh Fox and Marriott Golf.

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SARDINIA ADDED TO 2017 ITALY GOLF & MORE MENU

Danielle — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:47:02 +0000

Golfers booking a break to Italy will be spoilt for choice from 2017, with the island of Sardinia having joined the growing number of regions supporting Italy Golf & More – the first pan-Italian international promotional golf project.

The addition of Sardinia means that the forward-thinking initiative now includes 12 private sector partner regions, with the number of golf courses it features rising to 119.

Among the island’s high-profile golf venues giving their support to Italy Golf & More are Golf Is Arenas, Pevero Golf Club, Circolo Golf Is Molas, Tanka Golf & Country Club and Golf Club Puntaldia.

Set in 700 hectares of lush pine forest by the sea, Golf Is Arenas’ extensive facilities include an 18-hole, par-72 course and three-hole par-three executive course, while Golf Is Molas features 27 holes and has hosted numerous top tournaments including the Volvo Masters and four Italian Opens.

Golf Is Molas

Pevero, nestling in the heart of the Emerald Coast, is considered one of the best and most spectacular 18-hole layouts in Europe, while the par-70 course at Tanka and Puntaldia’s nine-hole layout both offer breathtaking views of the Sardinian coast and nearby Mediterranean.

Pevero Golf Club

Bruno Bertero, project co-ordinator for Italy Golf & More, said: “Sardinia has played a leading role in the promotion of Italian golf over the last three decades.

“With a combination of outstanding courses in idyllic settings, together with numerous cultural and historic delights, the island has everything needed for a relaxing golf break and we’re delighted to be able to include them in the Italy Golf & More brand.”

Featuring no fewer than 141 18-hole courses, Italy is the perfect place to combine a golfing break with the chance to experience many of its other historic, cultural and gastronomic delights.

Buoyed by the launch of Italy Golf & More, the number of rounds booked by international golfers across the country soared last year, and the prospects for Italian golf look even brighter in 2017 with Italy Golf & More set to launch a new website in the near future.

Italy Golf & More is a collaboration between private sector partner regions, the Italian Golf Federation and the Ministry of Tourism (MIBACT), who have come together to embark on a seven-figure investment to increase awareness, and future golf tourism traffic, from key European markets to Italy.

The partner regions consist of Friuli Venezia Giulia – the leading partner region of the project – Lombardy, Piedmont, Lazio, Veneto, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, Marche and Umbria – who together boast 119 of Italy’s golf courses – with six further regions falling under the investment of the Italian Golf Federation.

For further information on Italy Golf & More, please email info@italygolfandmore.com or download a brochure at www.italygolfandmore.com.

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Scottish Champions to Receive Automatic Home Internationals Selection

Danielle — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 14:04:42 +0000

The winners of the Scottish Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ and Girls’ Amateur Championships will all secure automatic spots in their respective Scotland Home Internationals sides from this season.

Stuart Clayton, new Acting Head of Performance for Scottish Golf, has initiated the selection change with the governing body, which will come into effect when the Home Internationals sides are picked this summer.

The exceptions will be the Scottish Senior Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, both of which are ‘open’ events, where competitors from other countries take part. If the Seniors’ champions are not eligible to represent Scotland, the automatic place will be passed to the respective selection committee to determine who receives the call-up.

Clayton said: “In all of our Scottish Amateur Championships, apart from the Senior Men’s, the winners will have come through head-to-head match-play format, which mirrors the style played at the Home Internationals. We therefore feel the champion will have demonstrated the capabilities required to perform well at the Homes and thus would be deserving of an automatic place.”

In August, the Men’s Home Internationals take place at Moortown, the Boys’ event at St Annes Old Links and the Ladies & Girls’ Home Internationals at Little Aston. The Senior Ladies’ go to Newport in October, with the Senior Men’s event being staged at Rosslare in September.

The updated selection policy changes come hot on the heels of several changes to Scottish Golf’s national events programme, with the new-look Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship featuring stroke play qualifying across two venues – Prestwick and Prestwick St Cuthbert – while the Scottish Boys Amateur Championship moves from its traditional early season slot to be played concurrently alongside its Girls’ equivalent, hosted by Scotscraig and Drumoig respectively at the end of June.

Players can look forward to some fantastic courses for the ‘Major’ domestic events this season, with Royal Aberdeen welcoming competitors for the Scottish Women’s Amateur, Blairgowrie hosting the Senior Women and Royal Burgess the host club for the Scottish Senior Men’s Championship.

In a further new addition for 2017, domestic Order of Merit points will now be awarded at both male and female level for the leading 16 players in stroke play qualifying for the Scottish Championships and British Championships, aided by the revised formats in the Scottish Men’s and Boys’ events.

“The awarding of points will offer a small bonus for the players, rewarding good performances in the stroke play stages, underlining it as being a key area for player development,” added Clayton.

Teams representing Scotland in the Home Internationals will continue to be supported by Aberdeen Asset Management, who celebrate 10 years of sponsorship of the national amateur squads in 2017.

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LADYBANK GOLF CLUB ENTERS NEW EXCITING ERA

Danielle — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 11:16:53 +0000

Ladybank Golf Club – 2016

February 2017 – One of Scotland’s most prestigious golf clubs is breaking with years of tradition in what some believe is the most significant policy shift in the club’s 138-year history. Ladybank Golf Club in Fife is embracing fundamental change by introducing a more open approach which incorporates ground-breaking membership options and closer ties with the travel and tourism sectors.

The changes, which are detailed on the club’s revamped website (www.ladybankgolf.co.uk), have been championed by the club’s new secretary Gordon Simpson who took up his post last year. He presented a portfolio of far-reaching initiatives at the club’s January AGM which were subsequently passed. The decision ushers in a new era at the renowned Fife club.

“These are exciting and historic times for Ladybank Golf Club,” said Gordon. “The course has been long regarded as one of the best heathland layouts in Scotland. We now have the opportunity to create a vibrant club around that reputation by creating a club fit for the 21^st century. That requires change so a decision has been made to seize the moment and make fundamental improvements that will shape the club for the foreseeable future.”

He continued: “The idea is to become a modern, open golf club. To do that requires fresh thinking and a more customer-focused approach. In many ways, this has been one of the biggest changes to ever happen at the club.”

Ladybank Golf Club has introduced four new membership categories that reflect a key transitional phase from junior to full-member status. New categories for 18-25 year olds and 26-30 year olds have been announced with the notable lack of waiting lists. Similarly, country and overseas membership categories have been unveiled for the first time, with numbers initially restricted to 25 members in each division.

There has also been a fundamental shift in the approach to visitors at the club, which is establishing closer links with golf tour operators and key accommodation providers such as Rufflets Hotel; 2016 AA Scottish Hotel of the Year. “It is a great idea,” said Stephen Owen, general manager at Rufflets. “If our clients want to play one of the best courses in the area, we can now accommodate that. The new arrangement with Ladybank ticks a lot of boxes for us and it is easy to manage. We are relishing the opportunity to working with a prestigious club like Ladybank.”

In 2015, Ladybank was named by National Club Golfer magazine as the best course in Scotland (for under £100), describing it as “a rare beast in Fife – a tremendous inland course”. The course, originally laid out by Old Tom Morris, is a classic heathland test which is regarded by many as one of the finest layouts in Scotland.

One National Club Golfer reviewer noted: “Of its type; one of the finest courses in the land for my money. The experience here is always a rich one. Standing on the first tee, you know you are in for a treat.”

The year ahead will also be one to celebrate at Ladybank which marks 55 years since its course was expanded to its current 18-hole championship course status. Set amongst the heather, pine and silver birch trees, the original six-hole routing was laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1879.

“Ladybank has a remarkable history,” said Gordon. “It is an Old Tom layout and a seven-times host for final qualifying at The Open Championship in St Andrews. There is no doubt Ladybank has a phenomenal history, but it is also a progressive club with an exciting future. With a new-look website, revised membership categories and thriving relationships with the tourism sector, the club is looking to the future with fresh impetus and zeal. These are certainly exciting times.”

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