Kirkhill GC is our club of the week
This week’s Reformer Club of the Week is Kirkhill Golf Club
Following a recent period of success on the greens at Greenlees Road, Cambuslang, I decided to head down to find out why Kirkhill is one of Lanarkshire’s most sought after clubs.
Duncan Williamson, who has been the club professional for over 10 years, took me out to the edge of the 18th to give me a lesson in improving my short game.
Now it’s fair to say that I was a little rusty having not played the sport for a couple of years, but Duncan sorted out my chipping technique and I’ve now been inspired to get back out on the course.
After showing him how I thought my swing should look, Duncan firstly got me playing on only my left leg in order to keep my swing short and improve my balance.
Once I’d managed a few practice shots, I was no longer digging my club into the turf and was chipping the ball near the hole.
The short lesson made such a big impact on my game and I could see how Duncan’s coaching with the likes of Craig Ross and Paul Shields has helped them to become better golfers.
It was also encouraging to hear that Duncan holds coaching lessons with both young golfers and players who are planning to pick up a golf club for the first time.
I sat down with him and club captain Peter Wharton to find out more.
What successes have the club had?
Duncan:“There are various juniors who have went on to become professionals.
We have two in Alan Mccandlish, who is now the pro’at Kingsbarns Golf Club in Fife, and Scott Costello is the understudy to him.
Alan is one of the biggest achievements we’ve had because he has a job at one of the biggest clubs.
You’ve got Paul Shields who went on to the Challenge Tour and Craig Ross who plays for Scotland and won the South African Amateur Championships in February.”
Peter:“They’re all smashing boys. Lewis Irvine, 16, is a very levelled headed boy and got to the final of the Scottish Boys.
Both Craig and Lewis are playing in the Home Internationals. We’ve got one senior and a junior from the same club playing in the competition which is unusual. If you look at the history, not many clubs will have that.
They’re representing us in a good way and are great ambassadors for the club. They have a positive effect on the golf club and, wherever they go, they stick their name as Kirkhill.”
Can you tell me about the facilities the club offers?
Peter:“The club started in 1910 and we had our centenary in 2010 where we opened our new club house.
It’s only six years old so we’ve got modern facilities including; showers, ladies and gents locker rooms, a large bar area and restaurant, decent catering and a veranda.
We have also held weddings, christenings, funerals and birthdays so it’s a function that is available for hire.”
Duncan:“In the past we’ve created the juniors mainly because of the facilities we’ve got.
We are looking for societies and visiting parties and we do them a deal with food and a round of golf.
We are trying to introduce visiting parties on Sunday afternoons when the course is a bit quieter.”
For more information on group deals: contact secretary Carol Downs on 0141 641 8499 or secretary@ kirkhillgolfclub.org.uk.
What coaching sessions do you offer and are they for all ages?
Duncan:“We’ve got 15-20 new junior members in this year. Joe O’Neil and Joe Wylie are school teachers and junior convenors at the club so they have brought a lot in from Cathkin High and they’ve done really well by us. But we still need more members.”
Coaching sessions for juniors take place on Mondays and Thursdays and if you need private tuition with Duncan give him a call on 0141 641 7972 or pop into the club shop.
Why should people join your club?
Peter: “We are renowned in Lanarkshire for having a golf course in excellent condition. We had a Pro-Am Championship recently and we had the largest number of teams for any Pro-Am in Scotland.
We had offered the highest prize money because the pros love coming here and playing on the good condition that the course is in. There was 46 teams in it and normally there is only 25 to 30.
This golf course (in Lanarkshire) has the fewest days closed due to rain because we are at the side of a hill and it drains really well. The only time the course is closed is due to snow.
Duncan:“In terms of the social side of things, we have a good friendly atmosphere and we have great practice facilities. We have long game area, which not every golf course has, a small practice area and a putting green and all are all very well maintained. All of them are in close proximity to one another so you don’t need to jump in your car to get to another.”
How do you join?
Peter:“We are back on track with memberships but we’re always interested in new members.
Juniors are welcome. You can call 0141 641 7972 or visit the club shop.
Membership details can be found at http://www.kirkhillgolfclub.org.uk/