Cold winds blow through AGM season in club golf

Prestwick St Cuthbert was the latest to make the headlines earlier this week when it was reported that the 125-year-old club is in a “fight for survival” that includes a legal battle with some of its own members.

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The Ayrshire club is said to be facing a cash shortage of £60,000 between January and March after an anticipated increase in membership numbers failed to materialise. This has been compounded by a bigger-than-forecast deficit in its catering operations, plus unexpected legal costs after being challenged in the Court of Session about the reintroduction of subscriptions for lifetime members who were previously exempt from paying fees.

It’s an extreme example but many are under similar – if perhaps less significant – pressure, as acknowledged this week by the captain of Glencruitten Golf Club in The Herald’s Around the Greens series.

The Oban club has benefitted from an increased profile thanks to its connections with local hero Bob MacIntyre, currently sitting at 14th in the world rankings. The Ryder Cup winner claimed his first PGA Tour win in June of this year at the RBC Canadian Open, followed in July with a victory on home soil at the Genesis Scottish Open.

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It’s the kind of mojo that any club would happily have rubbing off on them, but Glencruitten has also pursued other avenues to boost revenues. This includes a recent foray into cruise ship bookings and a fresh partnership with the local Knipoch House Hotel, while also continuing to host corporate outings.

“Obviously the additional income is welcome as we, like many clubs around the country, are facing increasing financial pressures in running and maintaining a course such as Glencruitten,” club captain Kenny Devine said.