Scottish
Golf is “acutely aware” of the financial pressure being faced by clubs
around the country, which has been hammered home by a drop in membership
numbers over the past year.
Though
the exact figure for the year ending September 2024 has not been shared
in the formal papers for the governing body’s upcoming AGM, a “slight
decrease compared to the prior year” is referred to.
Helped
by stakeholders giving the green light for the affiliation fee to be
increased from £15.75 to £17.50 last May, a Regional Development Team is
back on the ground around the country providing “targeted support”.
That,
coupled with the feeling that bridges are being rebuilt under new CEO
Robbie Clyde and interim chair Fraser Thornton, has led to an upbeat
directors’ report being delivered to member clubs ahead of the AGM in
Glasgow on 14 March.
It
reads: “Over the past year, substantial efforts have been directed
toward re-establishing and strengthening the relationship between
Scottish Golf and its member clubs. A key milestone was the successful
outcome of the Annual General Meeting, where approval was secured for an
increase in the affiliation fee. This decision reflects the collective
commitment of our members to support the long-term sustainability of the
sport in Scotland.
“The
commitment to increase the affiliation fee has played a crucial role in
enabling us to drive the recruitment of a dedicated Regional
Development Team. This strategic investment in additional resources will
provide targeted support to clubs across the country, helping them
navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities moving forward.
“By strengthening our regional presence, we will be better positioned to
deliver tailored services and development programs that will directly
benefit our member clubs and support the growth of golf at a grass-roots
level.”
Helped
by the increase in the affiliation fee, a deficit of £142,726 in the
same period in 2023 has been turned into a surplus of £14,265 in the
latest accounts for the Rosyth-based organisation.
“Income
from affiliation fees experienced a slight decrease compared to the
prior year, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by member clubs and
the broader golf community,” adds the report. “On the expenditure side,
the organisation was impacted by a range of wider economic factors,
including inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.
“Despite
these challenges, the organisation has maintained its commitment to
prudent financial management, ensuring that resources are allocated
effectively to support the delivery of strategic objectives and sustain
long-term financial stability.
“The
team at Scottish Golf remains acutely aware of the financial pressures
impacting member clubs, particularly in the current economic climate.
Rising operational costs and the changing dynamics of the golf industry
require ongoing adaptability and collaboration.
“To
address these challenges, the organisation continues to engage in
regular, constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders and sporting
partners, reinforcing its commitment to the long-term development of
golf in Scotland.
“Looking
ahead, Scottish Golf is committed to building on the progress made
during the year, continuing to deliver value to its members, and driving
the growth and sustainability of golf throughout the country.”
The
accounts report reserves of £1.4 million while donations in kind -
certain items of clothing, equipment and services made available as a
result of sponsorship agreements - totalled £17,795 compared to £4,000
in 2023.
