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Scottish golf clubs hit by membership drop amid 'financial pressures'
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanScottish Golf says it is ‘acutely aware’ of situation being faced by some member clubsScottish 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.
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Scottish Golf launches new Community Disability Hub Programme with sessions set to run across Scotland
We are delighted to be launching a new Community Disability Hub Programme!
Whether you have a physical, sensory, or learning disability, our sessions are open to all, no matter your circumstances.
To find out more and to register head this way
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Scottish Golf 2024 - A year to celebrate
2024 might be coming to a close but we've had so much to celebrate this year!
Here are just some of our highlights 
We celebrated our inaugural Scottish Open for Golfers With A Disability, working with EDGA and PING Golf Europe to provide taster sessions, as we continue to develop competitive opportunities for everyone who plays our wonderful game.
We toured around the country for our regional forums to discuss a broad range of topics, including key support areas and organisational updates. Our Handicapping team also delivered 12 in-person workshops and one virtual session focused on navigating WHS™ and Handicapping changes.
An amazing week for Hannah Darling & Lorna McClymont who helped power Catriona Matthew’s team to a memorable win over the USA in the 43rd Curtis Cup at Sunningdale Golf Club.
We launched our Winter Girls’ Golf programme in collaboration with The R&A, Golf Ireland and Wales Golf, to get young, junior, female golfers from a beginner level to a handicap level, and playing on-course for the summertime. 20 girls joined the programme, which was held over several weeks during the winter and spring months at Dunfermline Golf Club.
36 national events including a record 375 entries received for the Scottish Men’s Open Championship held at Muirfield with players from 28 different nations.
Gregor Graham had a massive year, winning the Golfrsa South African Amateur Match Play in March, the first Scot in 19 years to lift the England Golf Brabzon Trophy before securing his Challenge Tour card, turning pro and making his DP World Tour debut at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa.
A magical week at Royal Troon for Calum Scott who took home the Silver Medal at the 152nd Open Championship with his Texas Tech Men's Golf coach on the bag!
Lorna McClymont, hot off her Scottish Women’s Amateur win, had an inspired performance at the R&A Women’s Amateur Championship finishing runner-up with Mum Gail on the bag in Portmarnock.
A huge year for Hannah Darling who won her first NCAA tournament at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, made her LPGA Tour debut as an amateur, put in a veteran performance at the Curtis Cup and then won the Annika Intercollegiate!
Who could forget Bob MacIntyre’s incredible Genesis Scottish Open win? His second win on the PGA TOUR following his breakthrough at the RBC Canadian Open. Meanwhile Ewen Ferguson bagged his third DP World Tour win at the BMW International Open. Our Scottish Boys’ team beat England at the Home Internationals to win the International Cup, first contested in 1923.
29 clubs accessed the Club Education fund to support education and up-skilling of staff/key volunteer and 22 clubs onboard with Capital Credit Union in first few weeks of scheme to help members spread cost of club membership through an ethical lender.
Huge opportunities for some of our talented young players and over 500 juniors at the Genesis Scottish Open, ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open Championship. A massive thanks to our friends at VisitScotland for supporting the next generation of Scottish golfers. Junior golf continues to excite with 1500 juniors from 140 clubs across the country competing in our GolfSixes League. Royal Dornoch came out worthy winners!
Our Course Rating team delivered workshops and rated courses far, wide and as remote as Westray Golf Club while on a trip to Orkney as the island prepares for the Orkney Island Games 2025.
We saw a lot of cute dogs on golf courses this year and that made us happy!There’s lots to look forward to in 2025, including the return of the Scottish Golf Awards!
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Scottish Golf Course Rating
Our Course Rating team were busy this year rating golf courses all across the country, including a trip up to Orkney this summer!We took a team up to the island to rate four courses (South Ronaldsay Golf Club, Orkney Golf Club, Stromness Golf Club and Westray Golf Club), provide support and chat to them about growing junior golfLearn more and how to volunteer
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Scottish Golf Disability Facility Opens
Scotland’s first accessible golf training centre has opened to people with disabilities who are looking to develop their golf skills.Read on to find out more, including how to get in touch with the new facility!
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Gregor Graham Turns Pro - will play 2025 Challenge Tour.
June and I are pleased to share with you some amazing news, Gregor is turning professional after earning his European Challange Tour card for next season
What an amazing few years it’s been for him as an amateur golfer, travelling the world and enjoying so many wonderful experiences with fantastic people.Just a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Gregor in his amateur career.Here’s to an exciting 2025
The Blairgowrie Golf ClubCrail Golfing SocietyFintan BonnerLuke BirminghamSpencer HendersonGraham Environmental Services@aandbtaxis
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Scottish Seniors Men's & Women's Squads 2025
We're delighted to announce the players in our Senior Men’s and Women’s squads for the 2025 season!Head this way to find out who has been selected!
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