Family fun golf day teed-up at Dunning

Mums, dads and kids in the Dunning area - and beyond - are invited to a free fun family golf day at the popular nine-hole course at the village’s Rollo Park on Sunday, September 29.

From 9am-5pm, participants will be able to play Dunning Golf Club’s new short course - a par three set-up - enjoy games, with prizes - and receive coaching advice.

Refreshments will also be available throughout the day at their Tee Room.

Match and handicap secretary Alan Hill explained yesterday: “Scottish Golf and Dunning GC have the same wee problem.

“We’ve both seen a gradual decline in membership numbers whilst the average age of active golfers is on the increase - our average age is 68!

“Added to that is the fact that we have traditionally struggled to keep juniors beyond their mid-teens and attract families with young children aged seven-plus.

“In fact, we have very few members in the 25–40 age group.”

In a bid to counteract these problems, the club’s hardworking committee have come up with an innovative plan to make Dunning Golf Club a regional centre for family golf.

“We want to ensure that we are the de facto ‘Golf Academy’ for the primary schools at Dunning, Forgandenny, Aberuthven, Auchterarder, Dunbarney and Abernethy,” added Alan.

“Our aim is to use the kids to recruit the parents and we are constructing a par 3 course at Rollo Park using a set of family tees.”

The aim would then be to offer a special rate for a weekend family membership category in 2020, covering Friday evenings and Sundays only.

Alan emphasised: “This isn’t about replacing our current members.

“We will continue to progress the club and the course to ensure we appeal to our core membership.”

The first step in achieving their ambitious objectives is the family fun day towards the end of next month - and then follow that up with another in April, 2020, as part of the club’s traditional open day.

Those wanting to book a time slot on September 29 should ring 01764 684747.