GOLF CHANNEL AND ST ANDREWS LINKS TRUST ANNOUNCE FIELD FOR 2025 ST ANDREWS LINKS COLLEGIATE PRESENTED BY WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY

US-based course designers secure exciting project for Sutherland venue.

Royal Dornoch has unveiled plans to build a third course as part of a multi-million pound vision to further enhance the reputation of the Sutherland venue.

Ahead of a new £13.9 million clubhouse opening next year, the club has appointed King Collins Dormer Golf Course Design to create the new layout, which will add to the Championship Course and Struie Course.

In addition to the new course, the US-based company will also create new holes for the Struie Course while the plans include a driving range and Par-3 Course as well along with short game and putting facilities.

Pictured celebrating the tie up between Royal Dornoch and US golf course designers KCD are, from left, Mark Allan, Tad King, Gary Bethune (captain), Rob Collins, Neil Hampton (general manager) and Trevor Dormer.

“These are exciting times for everyone connected with Royal Dornoch and, with the clubhouse on target to welcome golfers from around the world next season, our thoughts are already turning to the next project,” said general manager Neil Hampton.

“Usually, the opening of a new clubhouse which has been mooted for 30 years or more would mark the end of the journey for any golf club but for Royal Dornoch it is about what the next step is going to be.

Hopes for Coul Links project getting green light

“The investment being made will pave the way for even greater economic and employment benefits for the wider community and, hopefully, there will be more good news to come as and when the Coul Links project gets the green light from the Scottish Government.

“Golf has long been the key economic driver in this part of the country and additional, high quality, eco-friendly championship courses created by highly-regarded designers can only enhance our reputation as a golfing destination and encourage visitors to extend their stay in the Highlands.”

The new course at Royal Dornoch will be created onb land adjacent to the Struie Course | Matthew Harris/Golf Picture Agency

While the Royal Dornoch project heralds first in the UK for King Collins Dormer, architects Tad King, Rob Collins and Trevor Dormer have designed lots of courses around the world.

“We were very impressed with all the golf course architects who pitched to us, and we are lucky that so many highly respected players in the industry were eager to be involved with Royal Dornoch,” added Hampton.

“But the KCD team’s imaginative concept and passion for Royal Dornoch and using the land at our disposal in a different way captured our imagination.”

Donald Trump's Scottish course to stage top golf tournament.

07/05/2025

By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman

The golf tournament will be staged at one of Donald Trump’s Scottish courses later in 2025.

One of US President Donald Trump’s two top-class Scottish golf courses is set to stage a DP World Tour event for the first time later this year.

But, as Trump Turnberry waits patiently for its first Open since 2009, it is Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire that will be in the spotlight this summer.

As had initially been hinted last month, the DP World Tour will be staging an event - The Scottish Championship - there on August 7-10.

The tournament, which previously featured on the circuit in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, will carry a $2.75 million prize fund.

Trump International Golf Links north of Aberdeen is set to stage a DP World Tour event for the first time this summer | Jacob Sjöman

It won’t feature the likes of Masters champion Rory McIlroy or Scottish No 1 Bob MacIntyre due to the fact it is up against the $20 million FedEx St Jude Championship - the opening event in the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Play-Offs.

However, it will be an exciting opportunity for other Scottish players like Ewen Ferguson, Calum Hill, Grant Forrest, Connor Syme, Richie Ramsay and Scott Jamieson to land a DP World Tour triumph on home soil.

Ryder Cup counting event

It could also be a chance for someone in contention for a Ryder Cup pick to catch European captain Luke Donald’s eye heading into the final qualifying event - the Betfred British Masters - just a fortnight later.

Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, said: “Trump International Golf Links Scotland has already earned a reputation as one of the best modern links courses in the UK and it promises to be an excellent venue for the return of the Scottish Championship to our schedule.”

It will be the first time the tour has visited Trump International Golf Links, which hosted the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in both 2023 and 2024 and will do so again from 30 July-3 August 3, the week prior to the Scottish Championship.

That means there will be back-to-back tournaments on the highly-accalaimed Martin Hawtree-designed course, which was opened by Trump himself in 2012.

“We are honoured to host the Scottish Championship on the DP World Tour at our iconic property,” said Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organisation.

“2025 is an incredible year for Trump International, Scotland, as we proudly welcome two world-class tournaments and celebrate the highly anticipated grand opening of our new championship links course.

‘Significant milestone’ for Donald Trump

“This significant milestone reflects the hard work of our team and is a true testament to the exceptional golf and hospitality we deliver in Scotland.”

It was reported last week that Trump had reportedly made repeated requests to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for The Open to be held at Turnberry in 2028 - the next available slot.

That led to the Prime Minister’s official spokesman insisting that it was down to “sporting bodies to make decisions on tournament venues, not the Government”.

The report came on the back of Mark Darbon, The R&A’s new chief executive, admitting a fortnight ago that he would “love to see” The Open back at the Ayrshire venue but, at the same time, highlighting that there were both “logistical and commercial challenges” to be overcome.

Spaniard Adrian Otaegui landed the title five years ago in The Scottish Championship, which was played at Fairmont St Andrews.

Golf's golden couple honoured with new portrait in iconic St Andrews building

07/05/2025

By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman

Historic double portrait of Bonallacks unveiled in Big Room of The R&A clubhouse

A new portrait of Sir Michael Bonallack and his wife Angela, Lady Bonallack has been unveiled in the Big Room of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews clubhouse.

Painted by renowned portrait artist Paul Brason, it was commissioned to honour the pair’s ‘lifelong dedication to golf and their distinguished service to both the club and the sport’.

The work is the first double portrait to be displayed in the Big Room and replaces an earlier individual portrait of Sir Michael.

Depicting the couple at the height of their amateur golfing careers, the painting recognises their lasting legacy as ‘two of the most respected and admired figures in amateur golf’.

Sir Michael was a five-time winner of The Amateur Championship while he played for Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup on nine occasions.

Off the course, he served with distinction as secretary and then captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews while he also chaired the Official World Golf Ranking.

Sir Michael Bonallack was hugely admired

Knighted in 1998 for services to golf and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, he played a vital role in shaping the modern game and was admired for his ‘leadership, warmth and integrity’.

Angela, Lady Bonallack was a formidable competitor and a pioneer for women’s golf. Off the course, she worked tirelessly to promote women’s and girls’ golf, serving as chair of the English Ladies’ Golf Association and as president of the Ladies’ Golf Union.

The commission was overseen by a working group comprising Royal and Ancient Golf Club members, with key involvement from the Bonallack family.

The unveiling by Ian Pattinson, captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, took place with members of the Bonallack family in attendance.

"Sir Michael and Angela, Lady Bonallack made exceptional contributions to the game of golf and to the life of this club over many decades,” said Pattinson. “Their dedication, integrity and leadership continue to be held in the highest regard by members and the wider golf community.

“It is both fitting and appropriate that they are now commemorated together in the Big Room, where their legacy will be recognised for generations to come."

Lady Bonallack died in July 2022 aged 85 and Sir Michael passed away in September 2023 aged 88.

Bonallack family ‘deeply moved’

Robert Bonallack, the couple’s son, said, “It is deeply moving for our family to see our parents honoured in this way. The portrait captures not only their youth and love of the game, but also the strength of their partnership — in golf and in life.

“The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews held a special place in both their hearts and we are grateful to the club for this lasting tribute.”

Buckpool Golf Club - Membership Opportuniities

28/04/2025

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Join Buckpool Golf, Sports & Social Club today and enjoy everything we have to offer in 2025.

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Paul Lawrie Launches Gin and Moonshine in support of Generational Talent

23/04/2025

Tee off with something truly special…

We’re proud to unveil the Paul lawrie Scottish Gin – a bold new spirit inspired by one of Scotland’s golfing greats. Crafted with the finest botanicals, including Thistle, Nettle, Heather, Whin and Gorse Flower – the very shrub that blooms on the iconic Carnoustie links, where Paul claimed his unforgettable Open Championship victory in 1999.

This isn’t just a gin, it’s a celebration of Scottish resilience, heritage and craftsmanship. And even better – £10 from every bottle sold goes directly to supporting the next generation of talent through the Tartan Pro Tour.

Available to pre-order now, with first orders shipping out from 23.04.2025 – be one of the first to get your hands on a bottle of this small-batch release.

Angus Alchemy Paul Lawrie Golf Centre

Link to shop: https://lnkd.in/eSpNadGH

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£42.50 to play Old Course - Scottish golfers set for St Andrews steal

23/04/2025

Staggering 87.5% reduction being offered for four Links Trust courses through new initiative

Well, well, well! A Scottish golf venue has launched an exciting new initiative that will see green fees slashed for Scottish golfers and guess what? It is providing the chance to play what is arguably the world’s most-famous course for just over £40.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That’s how much it will cost some lucky Scots to tee it up on the Old Course at St Andrews, venue of a record 31 Open Championships, as part of Drive, which has been unveiled by St Andrews Links Trust to “widen access to its iconic courses”.

Between May and October this year, a total of 179 tee times on offer through the Links Trust’s booking process are being made available at a reduced rate for “golf enthusiasts who live in Scotland” and aimed at people who “love golf, play golf and haven’t had the chance to play golf in St Andrews”.

It means that 716 golfers will get the opportunity to play four of the Links Trust’s seven courses - the Old, Castle, Jubilee and Eden - at a staggering 87.5 per cent reduction on the regular high-season green fees.

So, instead of £340 for the Old Course, it will be £42.50 while the cost for the Castle Course will be £22.50 as opposed to £180 for an adult and £90 for someone under 16. Instead of £150 for an adult and £75 for under-16s, it will be just £18.75 for the Jubilee Course and £9.50 for the Eden Course rather than £75 and £38.

“As the Home of Golf, St Andrews Links Trust takes its responsibility to the sport incredibly seriously,” said chief executive Neil Coulson of what is one of the most eye-catching announcements in the game in terms of green fees being reduced for a long time.

“That is why we are so excited to launch a new initiative offering golfers across Scotland the opportunity to play our historic and iconic courses at a lower price. Widening access to golf is a key objective for us, and over the coming years we hope we can continue to provide opportunities to golfers of all ages and abilities.”

Make no mistake, this really is something that should be applauded, especially for those who will get the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the game’s greats on the Old Course, with the first stage of the project seeing 11 tee times made available for it on 21 May.

Just think about it. Someone who previously might have had to be content with a game of putting on the Himalayas, home of the St Andrews Ladies Putting Club, because of the normal cost for the Old Course and also, of course, the huge demand for tee times on it will now enjoy a fairytale experience at one of the sport’s cathedrals.

“Golf has become increasingly popular in recent years and with this demand for our courses has surged to unprecedented levels,” added Coulson, who took up the reins of the charitable trust in 2021 and has certainly put his own stamp on the post. “We will continue to ensure that our ticket holders (locals gain access to all seven of the Links Trust’s courses for just £386 through an annual ticket) and visitors have the best experience possible, while ensuring that one of the country’s most precious golfing assets is available for the public, too.”

Scottish-based golfers are being offered the opportunity to putt out on the 18th green on the Old Course for the first time through the Drive initiative launched by St Andrews Links Trust | St Andrews Links Trust

It has to be pointed out, of course, that the Links Trust can afford to offer discounted rounds. In 2023, it brought in an all-time high total incoming of £43.8 million, with net income of £11.4m whereas the corresponding figure a decade earlier had been a modest £900,000. Though helped by an increase in merchandising sales, the main factor for that huge upturn is the sheer number of rounds rising from 213,086 to 283,032 in that period.

In short, golf is booming in St Andrews, though not everyone is happy. As highlighted in ‘Scorecard: The Business of Golf’, The Scotsman’s recent series scrutinising the finances underpinning the game, a newly-formed group known as the St Andrews Resident Golf Association (STARGA) has expressed concern that an emphasis on increasing revenues may be subverting the original intention of the legislation for the Links Trust being established in 1974.

Its members believe the total number of visitor rounds increasing by 49 per cent from 2009 to 2023 is disproportionate and that the courses are “overplayed”, but no-one can surely voice any discontent about the Links Trust trying to “buck the trend” when it comes to green fees, albeit for a limited number, and, moreover, allowing Scottish golfers to be the beneficiaries.

According to a study conducted by UK Golf Guy, a popular account on X, the average green fee at a selection of top 20 venues in the UK has increased by 105 per cent between 2015 and 2025. The figure was £182 in 2015, but, a decade later, that has jumped to £374.

At North Berwick, for example, the cost of a green fee has risen by 185 per cent from £100 to £285 while other big jumps were highlighted at Royal Dornoch (167 per cent from £120 to £320, Trump Turnberry (120 per cent from £250 to £600) and Trump International Golf Links (130 per cent from £215 to £495). At Trump Turnberry, meanwhile, a round on the Ailsa Course has been hiked to £1,000 this year for non-hotel residents before 1pm.

Let’s not beat about the bush. Some of those figures are eye-watering, but, in fairness, they’ve been set due to the fact most foreign visitors here expect to pay that sort of money at top-class venues around the world and they’d be wary if Scottish courses were considerably cheaper.

It also should be noted, of course, that lots of the top venues around the country offer local resident and/or Scottish resident rates, so what the Links Trust is doing isn’t necessarily a ground-breaking step.

But, at a time when the spotlight is well and truly on the sport after Rory McIlroy became just the sixth player to complete a career grand slam after landing his dramatic Masters win, hats off to St Andrews for doing something that shows Scots still matter and rightly so.

Nairn Golf Club - Job Opportunity

21/04/2025

Nairn Golf Club is looking to hire two positions to join our Greens Team to ensure golfers receive the highest quality when visiting the golf club.

Full-time: https://ow.ly/iGoM50VCfTo

Seasonal: https://ow.ly/hmF750VCfTn

Golf handicap 'cheats' targeted by The R&A, with WHS 'here to stay'

21/04/2025

By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman

Educational campaign launched in Great Britain and Ireland as clubs are urged to call out offenders

Golfers who “manipulate” handicaps through the use of general play scores within the World Handicap System (WHS) have been branded as “cheats” by The R&A, with golf clubs being encouraged to play their part in calling out such offenders.

Just over five years after it was rolled out by The R&A and USGA - the game’s two governing bodies - the St Andrews-based organisation is undertaking an “educational campaign” in collaboration with the golf unions in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales that will essentially target players and club handicap committees in terms of their “responsibilities within the Rules of Handicapping”.

Under WHS, which calculates a handicap using the best eight scores from 20 and was created to provide a better measure of a golfer’s current playing ability than the old system, the use of general play scores is permitted, which, in other words, allows someone to submit scores outside competition play - the predominant yardstick previously in terms of a player’s handicap.

The R&A has launched an “educational campaign” in tandem with the four Home Golf Unions about the World Handicap System

While insisting it doesn’t believe the issue is widespread in Great Britain and Ireland, “concerns” around general play scores is at the core of The R&A, in tandem with the organisations that deal directly with club golfers in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, deciding it is time to remind players about their responsibilities through a nationwide educational awareness campaign.

“WHS was launched in 2020 and it is now being used in over 130 countries across the globe, providing golfers with a single consistent measure of playing ability worldwide,” Grant Moir, executive director - governance at The R&A, said in a media briefing ahead of e-newsletters being sent out on Thursday by England, Golf, Ireland Golf, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf to members. “Inclusivity is at the heart of WHS, with one of the main aims being to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap and that has been one of its great successes.

“But The R&A, along with the USGA, need to monitor WHS closely and, through our research, it is clear that in Great Britain and Ireland, there are some specific concerns around the system and particularly the perception that there are maybe a small minority of players who are manipulating the system.

“So this social media e-newsletter campaign we are conducting in collaboration with England Golf, Ireland Golf, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf is intended to address these concerns, the purpose of the campaign being to raise awareness, particularly among golfers but also handicap committees as to what their responsibilities are within the rules of handicapping.

“I would like to emphasise that we don’t think for a minute that there are many golfers abusing the system to gain an unfair advantage, but we recognise that, even if a small number are doing this, then it can impact on the enjoyment of competition golf and it negatively impacts on the golfer opinion of WHS.

“The aim here is to help golfers better understand the behaviors and actions that are a breach of the rules and to emphasise that deliberately breaching these rules is unacceptable and to call out deliberate manipulation for what it is, which is cheating.

“The Rules of Handicapping, just like the Rules of Golf, rely to a certain extent on player integrity and we all need to be prepared to challenge behaviour that lacks the type of integrity that we all expect. That is the purpose and emphasis of this campaign.”

“Concerns” have been highlighted by Grant Moir, The R&A’s executive director - governance | The R&A

Though the Mauritius Golf Federation tried to implement a ban on general play scores that didn’t add up to par or better in a bid to stop handicap manipulation, that was deemed “unacceptable” under WHS, but, according to Moir, clubs themselves have a key part to play in “calling out” offenders.

“Club handicapping committees are encouraged to review all members’ handicaps at least once a year and the system should flag up any abnormalities, if you like, or anything that could be considered to be suspicious and that doesn’t mean that it is suspicious,” he added. “People improve or get worse for various reasons. But, if there is a concern, there is the ability to raise that with the player and to seek explanation why there may be these discrepancies.

“Also, the national bodies are there to provide resources and support to the local handicap committees. It is not easy being on a handicap committee and dealing with difficult situations like that. But people need to be prepared to raise the difficult situations should something out of the norm arise.”

Introduced at the beginning of this month, Golf Ireland is piloting a change to the WHS regarding playing handicap allowances, giving clubs the option to adjust the allowance used in competitions. They can keep the current 95 per cent allowance or either reduce it to 90 per cent or 85 per cent and, alternatively, increase it to 100 per cent.

Depending on its success, this could be rolled out in the other home nations next year, with one of the biggest groans about WHS being that low-to-mid handicap players don’t win as many events as they used to due to the system favouring higher handicappers.

“I’m not sure their perception is necessarily reality, but I understand the concerns,” said Moir. “The perception of what a high handicap golfer might be is maybe slightly inaccurate. The average handicap of golfers in GB&I for males is 17 and for female it is 29 and I think there is a perception sometimes amongst low handicap golfers that a 14, 15, 16 handicap player is a high handicap player, which isn’t statistically correct.

“But, also, if you have, as is often the case, more players in the higher handicap category playing in the competitions, it is far more likely one of them is going to win. And also simply based on the quite common inconsistency of handicap players. Their good golf is so much better than their bad golf so, when they do have that day in the sun, then they are likely to come in with a low net score whereas the more consistent lower handicap player is more likely to be around the par net score. I think all these things add to that perception, but that’s not because anybody is doing anything wrong under the handicap system.”

The importance of “pre-registration” in terms of general play scores is one of the points that is being highlighted. “We are hugely encouraging of people putting in general play scores, but picking and choosing and timing that suit simply isn’t acceptable,” warned Moir, who insisted that WHS is “here to stay” but can be “refined” and “improved”.

Dunkeld & Birnam - Job Opportunity

Dunkeld & Birnam - Job Opportunity

The R&A has launched an awareness campaign in an effort to clamp down on handicap manipulation

R&A launches campaign to combat WHS ‘cheating’

The R&A has launched a campaign to raise awareness of golfer’s responsibilities when they submit a score to their handicap record.

In an effort to combat what R&A chiefs are calling manipulation, the governing body has been in contact with GB&I clubs and players to inform them how to ensure their handicap is accurate.

In an interactive flipbook released today, which is in support of the campaign across Great Britain and Ireland, the body outlined five keys for players to consider when entering scores, particularly general plays, to their record.

Firstly, players have been reminded to pre-register their rounds and not to be selective of the scores they post.

Their second point is one that might seem obvious, but it is to try their best in each round, ensuring that players finish their round and submit acceptable scores as soon as possible.

Players are also reminded to certify the scores of playing partners, ensuring they are accurate. Additionally, golfers are being encouraged to submit as many general plays as possible, in order to give them an accurate handicap index.

Finally, and most pertinently, players have been encouraged to ‘be honest’ and urged to act within the rules of handicapping, without using these rules to gain an unfair advantage.

It’s that final point of honesty, which Grant Moir, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, was keen to stress, speaking ahead of the announcement.

“Our aim here is to help golfers better understand the behaviours and actions that are a breach of the rules, to emphasise that deliberately breaching these rules is unacceptable and to call out deliberate manipulation for what it is: which is cheating,” Moir said.
“I’d like to emphasise that we don’t think for a minute there are many golfers abusing the system to gain an unfair advantage, but we recognise that even if a small number are doing this, it can impact on the enjoyment of golf and it negatively impacts on the golfer’s opinion of WHS.
“The R&A along with the USGA need to monitor WHS closely and through our research, it’s clear that in Great Britain and Ireland, there are some concerns around the system and particularly the perception that there may be a small minority of players that are manipulating the system.”
As Moir alluded to, handicap manipulation is a common concern amongst competitive golfers in GB&I.
The perception is that some golfers use general play scores to submit scores that will take their handicap index higher than their actual ability. Then, when it comes to competitive golf, they play to their real potential, scooping up often lucrative prizes.

On the other end of the spectrum, some golfers might cheat the system to take their handicap lower than what it should be, in an effort to qualify for elite amateur events, although the R&A and national bodies haven’t found this to be too prevalent.
The campaign comes on the back of a survey, where Moir explained that two main concerns had been raised.
“We did a survey last year, we had 72,000 responses, it was a global survey, but a large portion of those responses were from GB&I,” he said.
“The outlook generally was very positive, but there was two key themes from the GB&I respondents. One of them was this perception and concern that there was handicap manipulation through general play scores, and secondly, that handicap committees needed more support to carry out their role effectively.”
On handicap committees and their role in ensuring fairness of competitions, Moir encouraged clubs to undertake regular reviews of players’ handicaps and to flag up any concerns that they may have.
“Clubs are encouraged to review all member’s handicaps at least once a year,” Moir said.

“The system should flag up any abnormalities, any things that could be considered to be suspicious. That doesn’t always mean it is suspicious. People improve or they get worse for various reasons, but if there is a concern, there is the ability to raise that with the player, to seek explanation for why there may be these discrepancies.
“It’s not easy being on a handicap committee in your own club and dealing with difficult situations like that. The more support they can get from the system itself and the national bodies, which I know they provide, is hugely important. To a certain extent, it relies on the handicap committees to be prepared to undertake those reviews and to raise the difficult questions should something out of the norm arise.”
While there are some concerns around the system, the R&A’s Governance chief was keen to stress that WHS isn’t going anywhere, and that it is very much a better system than what went before.
“Absolutely, emphatically yes,” he said, when asked if WHS was the best way forward. “We’ve heard this in feedback. The averaging system, the eight from 20, the fact that general play scores for people’s handicaps to be more reflective of their ability, to be more reflective of their current form.
“People don’t get stuck in the same place. The ability to submit general play scores is a huge positive. Also, the fact that people can gain a handicap where they might feel somewhat intimidated by playing in competitions and the like.

“It’s here to stay, it’s still in its infancy, there are many positives, but where we feel there are negatives, we’re keen to try and address those and refine those and the system over the coming years.”

Hayston Golf Club - Membership Opportunity

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Colin Gillies

A line from a poem read by the minister at Colin Gillies' funeral in Falkirk today and no surprise that his fellow PGA in Scotland pros were out in force to pay their respects to the Tartan Tour's all-time record money-winner.

A sad day as we said goodbye to PGA Professional, all-time record money winner, colleague and friend Colin Gillies.

Miss me, but let me go'

Torwoodlee Golf Club - Job Opportunity

14/04/2025

Head Greenkeeper Vacancy

Job Opportunity - Kingussie Golf Club

Seasonal Greenkeeper - Kingussie Golf Club

It’s more than a game – tee up for the Big Golf Race this summer and help more men get diagnosed early.

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Perth Sportswoman’s Dinner - King James VI Golf Club

We are absolutely delighted to say the Perth Sportswoman’s Dinner presents Glitz and GIGLs is now SOLD OUT. Thanks to all our sponsors, in particular Kevin Cuthbert Personal Training who is our main sponsor on the evening.

Edinburgh-based golf writer honoured alongside Scottie Scheffler at Masters

Lewine Mair picks up PGA of America Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism

Lewine Mair, a long-time Edinburgh resident and wife of The Scotsman’s legendary late golf and rugby correspondent Norman, has been honoured during a flying visit to Augusta.

Accompanied by one of her granddaughters Victoria, who also works in golf at The Renaissance Club, Mair picked up the PGA of America Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism at the 51st annual ISPS Handa Golf Writers’ Association of America Dinner at Columbia Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday night.

Mair, a former Daily Telegraph golf correspondent who currently writes for Global Golf Post, is the 34th recipient and just the second woman to receive the coveted award.

“Lewine has made an incredible impact on golf journalism while covering our great game,” said PGA of America president Don Rea jnr. “She continues to demonstrate an uncanny ability to discover and tell many of golf’s greatest stories on and off the course.”

Birmingham-born Mair was a talented youth golfer and competed for Great Britain & Ireland at the under-21 level. She became interested in writing after watching three-time British Women’s Amateur champion Enid Wilson cover events for The Daily Telegraph, admitting: “I remember thinking I’d love to do her job.”

Mair served as the Daily Telegraph’s golf correspondent for 12 years before joining Global Golf Post in 2010. She became the Association of Golf Writers’ first woman president in 2021, having previously served as its first woman chairman.

“To win this PGA award is such an honour,” said Mair, who received warm praise from the likes of Catriona Matthew and Laura Davies in a video about her career on a night when other award winners included world No 1 Scottie Scheffler and AIG Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko.

“Writing isn’t always easy and, as one of the few women in the trade, the fact that I’ve tended to be a bit of a loner as opposed to ‘one of the boys’ has made it still more special.

“Even now, the job continues to mean as much to me as it ever did. I wake up every morning thinking, 'What have I got to write today?'”

Lewine Mair pictured receiving the PGA of America Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism from PGA of America president Don Rea jnr. Also pictured are Mair's Global Golf Post colleagues John Hopkins and Ron Green jnr as well as Jim Nugent, the digital publication's publisher | Contributed

Alan Tait announced as Ambassador for Junior Tour

06/04/2025

PLEASE WELCOME AMBASSADOR TAIT:

We are delighted to announce Alan Tait, as a Junior Tour Ambassador. Alan is a golfing icon within Scotland, and further afield too.

Alan had a stellar golfing careeer, playing on the European Tour, as well as on the Scottish PGA Tour.

Alan is now known for all the work he does for charities, and he is very well respected. When he has time, he organises a variety of golf tours, which encapsulates Men, Ladies, Boys and Girls. He also turns his hand to after dinner speaking, and he is really entertaining and funny.

Alan is very much looking forward to representing and supporting the Junior Tour here, there and everywhere. We are super excited to to welcome Alan into the Junior Tour Family, and I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting him when the opportunity arises.

Welcome on board Alan

Paul,

On behalf of the Junior Tour Team

Trump International - April Offer

06/04/2025

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Available until April 30, 2025

Experience the award-winning Trump International Golf Links, Old Course with this April Four-Ball offer.

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Offer ends April 30, 2025.

https://www.trumpgolfscotland.com/

Stephen Gallacher helps spread golf's health benefit at Edinburgh congress

Third International Congress on Golf and Health involves delegates from over 20 countries

Scotland played host this week to the third International Congress on Golf and Health, with Ryder Cup player and now Junior Ryder Cup captain Stephen Gallacher among those who spoke about the wide-reaching health and wellness benefits of the sport.

The two-day event, which was held at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, involved delegates from over 20 countries and experts from The R&A, the Ladies European Tour, DP World Tour, G4D Tour and The Confederation of Professional Golf.

The conference shared insights on the health benefits of golf, with golfers enjoying a reduction in over 40 major chronic diseases, better well-being and length of life.

Delegates also learned about the mental fitness of Formula 1 drivers and leading golfers, and the challenges of competing at the highest level. They delved into key topics like injury prevention and management, adaptations for disabled golfers, nutrition, strength, and conditioning.

“Regular physical activity and participation in sport is one of the best things you can do for physical, mental and social health,” said Maree Todd, Sport Minister at the Scottish Government.

“The congress is a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and experience, to celebrate what golf is accomplishing, and to understand barriers to participation and how we can work to remove them.”

Dr Julia Kettinen, researcher and Golf Exercise Medicine Specialist, added: “Our research highlights that golf can help people achieve the physical activity they need.

“Golf also kept senior golfers active during the pandemic and supported their quality of life. Even a single 18-hole round can offer significant cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults, compared to regular walking.

“Globally, more and more people are playing golf—over 100 million now—which is great for both individuals and populations.”

Four-time DP World Tour winner Gallacher uses his junior foundation to spread the message about how golf can help provide a healthy life.

He said: “This scientific congress coming to Scotland is great as it helps us understand the health benefits, hear about how golf is even being prescribed now in Scotland and further afield, and also look at supporting the mental health of players.

“I have had some incredible highs like winning in Dubai, India and Scotland, and being on the winning side at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, but life in professional sport can be lonely and tough, so the work on mental health is so important.”

Scottish Golf CEO Robbie Clyde attended the congress along with Alex Knight, the governing body’s community and impact manager, and head of marketing and communications Francesca Dymond.

Banchory Golf Club - Job Opportunity

We are looking for an Assistant Cook to join the team in the Clubhouse, if you are a team player and meet the requirements see below to apply. www.banchorygolfclub.co.uk

Hayston Golf Club - Membership Opportunity

Join Hayston Golf Club Today and Unlock Exclusive Membership Offers!

Looking to take your game to the next level? Hayston Golf Club is proud to offer a range of membership options designed to suit golfers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we have a package just for you!

Our Membership Offers Include:

- Introductory Offers: Perfect for new members looking to experience everything Hayston has to offer at an affordable rate.

- Youth Offers: Special rates for young golfers ready to hit the course and develop their skills.

-Junior Offers: A fantastic opportunity for the next generation of golfers to start their journey with us!

- Summer Memberships: Enjoy access to our beautiful course throughout the summer months with this seasonal membership.

Bonus: Enjoy 2 FREE months when you commit to a membership through until October 2026!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of our welcoming golf community. With stunning greens, a friendly atmosphere, and a membership tailored to your needs, there’s no better time to join Hayston Golf Club!

For more information on membership options and how to sign up, contact us today.

MurrayField Golf Club - Job Opportunity

Murrayfield Golf Club - Edinburgh - Scotland

Golf Course Manager

Managerial - Greenkeeper 2 May 2025

Golf Course Manager - Murrayfield Golf Club (Senior Management Role)

Due to retirement of the current Manager an opportunity has arisen for what we believe to be one of the best senior greenkeeping roles in central Scotland.

The club seeks an outstanding candidate with exceptional man-management, agronomy and administrative skills to be our Golf Course Manager, leading our highly capable greenkeeping team and on-course operations.

About the course and club

Our course is parkland/heathland in structure, founded in 1896 and uniquely located just 2 miles from Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh. Murrayfield Golf Club is a welcoming and vibrant private member club enjoying a commanding position overlooking the city. Currently ‘full’ with a waiting list, the club prides itself on the golfing and hospitality experience it provides to members, their families and guests.

Job Overview

As a forward-thinking and highly qualified Course Manager, you will lead and manage our greenkeeping team. You will have responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the golf course grounds maintenance and health & safety as well as important contractual obligations for a neighbouring nine-hole course. Your expertise will ensure that the course remains in first-class condition, delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.

Reports to: General Manager

Reporting to you: Head Greenkeeper and greenkeeping team circa 10-11 including you

Working parameters:

Budget circa £200k exc employment costs
Health, safety and security – fully responsible
Staff and asset management – fully responsible
Agronomy and on-course operations– fully responsible
Finance: fully responsible with accountabilities

Skills and attributes:

Strong team leader. Proven experience managing staff teams, leads by example, earns respect, exceptional communication skills. Confident in your own man-management ability
Highly organised and PC literate

Gleaned from a minimum 4 years in a similar senior management greenkeeping role you will have a deep knowledge of all technical and practical greenkeeping duties at both managerial and course level including but not limited to:

Health, safety and security
Agronomy, irrigation and on-course operations
Mechanical & maintenance
Financial & budgeting
Project management
Policies and procedures

What We Offer:

Salary £50k-£55k depending on qualifications, skills and experience
Gratuity share payment
Private medical insurance
Enhanced pension contribution matching scheme
Courtesy staff golf membership plus member discounts
Ongoing investment in your personal development
Relocation can be discussed if applicable

How to apply: Please send a covering letter to manager@murrayfieldgolfclub.co.uk telling us why you are a fit for the role along with an up to date CV by 2nd May 2025.

Judy Joo and Judd Sundelson underline ever-improving programme under Ian Muir

By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman

Proof of St Andrews University’s ever-improving golf programme under director of golf Ian Muir has been delivered with an historic double in The R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit.

Victory in the circuit’s sun-kissed three-day final in the Fife town went to Swede Elice Fredriksson (Halmstad University) and England’s Lucas Martin (University of Lancashire).

But St Andrews scholars Judy Joo and Judd Sundelson also emerged as winners after topping the season-long women’s and men’s points list respectively.

Fredriksson ran away with the tournament by six shots over Joo thanks to a closing three-under-par 71 on the Old Course to finish on a total ten-under-par 213.

However, Joo’s second place finish ensured she finished topped the standings by ten points over Fredriksson. Another St Andrews student, Lucy Jamieson, finished third on the points table, the same position she ended up in the final.

“I’m really happy,” said Joo of her triumph. “It was my goal at the start of the season. I know I was a rookie this season, but I thought why not set my sights high? So, it’s really satisfying to have pulled it off. I’ve loved every minute of my first year on the Student Tour Series.”

In contrast, Sundelson just held on to claim his title triumph, pipping Stirling’s Ross Laird by a single point after finishing joint-18th behind Martin, who signed off with a 67 on the Old Course, in the season finale.

“I really thought I’d blown it,” said Sundelson. “I wanted to win the Order of Merit so badly and the nerves just got to me, especially on the front nine. So, I’m just glad to have finished No 1, especially considering the talent on this tour.”

Joo earned spots in the Women’s Amateur Championship and St Rule Trophy later in the year, while Sundelson secured berths in the Amateur Championship and St Andrews Links Trophy.

Scottish Golf - Job Opportunity

Info here >> https://bit.ly/4i0x9qi

**NEW JOB ADVERT**

>> Participation Officer

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Loch Lomond Golf Club - Job Opportunity

>> Head of Facilities & Maintenance

**NEW JOB ADVERT**

>> Loch Lomond Golf Club

Info here >> https://bit.ly/3G4i2Pa

Why Colin Gillies showed golf isn't all about playing at the top level

Golf correspondent Martin Dempster pays tribute to record Tartan Tour money-winner

It takes either a special player or a special person to get Scots around the world to unite in grief and, in the case of Colin Gillies, who passed away this week at the age of 58, that has happened because, to his credit, he ticked both those boxes.

When I first started to cover the Tartan Tour, the circuit run by the PGA in Scotland, in the mid-1980s, the likes of Russell Weir, John Chillas, Craig Maltman, Iain Collins, Kevin Stables and Alastair Webster were some of the leading lights.

It soon became apparent, though, that two young Scottish professionals were going to be challenging the old guard, so to speak, before too long and that did, indeed, prove to be the case.

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scotsman.com%2Fsport%2Fwhy-colin-gillies-showed-golf-isnt-all-about-playing-at-the-top-level-

Scottish Golf - Disability Rankings

Want to get a Disability Golf World Ranking? Now is your opportunity to rise up the rankings and play against the best golfers!

As part of our Community Disability Hub Programme, we're delighted to be hosting 2 EDGA classification days at Golf It, Glasgow.

EDGA Classification Days

6th & 27th April

Sessions start at 3pm

Email clubsupport@scottishgolf.org to register.

Make sure to apply for your EDGA Player Pass first in order to be eligible for classification. Head this way to apply for yours

https://edgagolf.com/online/pass/?from=web24

Dundonald Links - HIO Pairs 2025

DUNDONALD LINKS HIO PAIRS

1st & 2nd May 2025

2 x Rounds over the Championship Course

Final Tee Times Available -

Golf Only - £189.00 per person

Accommodation options available if required.

Please email - graeme@hio-club.com or please message to enquire/enter.

King James VI Golf Club - Get into Golf for Ladies

Ladies! Looking for a new hobby? Look no further. There are only a few spaces remaining for our latest Get Into Golf for Ladies (GIGLS) 7 week coaching block. This is an excellent opportunity to become involved with a really wonderful Club and meet new friends.

Whether you are a total beginner or returning to golf after a significant break then these lessons are for you. There will be 4 lessons and 3 on course practice sessions on Wednesdays commencing 23rd April 2025.

There will be a maximum of 8 people in each lesson group, which will be made up of ladies of all abilities, from complete beginners to those who have had a few lessons.

Lesson 1 - Putting / Shortgame / Bunkers / Basic Technique & set up

Lesson 2 - Irons / Driving - Set up

Lesson 3 - Irons / Driving - Swingwork

Lesson 4 - Puting all the clubs together for the golf course

Lessons are with professional Gregor Wright Golf who has provided coaching at the club for four successful years. The practice sessions are run by experienced members of the club. You will have the opportunity to practise what you have learned in the group lessons with Gregor, whilst enjoying some fun golf on the course. You will also learn a bit about the rules and etiquette of the game. As a bonus, you can also come along to an extra practice session most Saturday afternoons.

Cost: £70 Non-members, £63 for members. This includes free access to our practice facilities, clubhouse and beer garden.

It’s a great opportunity to join a thriving ladies section and have a huge amount of fun!

Contact: GiglKingJamesVI@gmail.com for more information, or to book.

Rookie Scottish pro receives backing boost from St Andrews-based golf tour operator

26/03/2025