Event emphasises importance of golf to local economy

Golf clubs and organisations across North East Fife have come together to share ideas and look at how the sport can be made more attractive and accessible for both local people and visitors.

In his role as a founding member and co-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Golf, North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins chaired a round table get-together at Ladybank Golf Club.

The event, which included representation from internationally renowned Kingsbarns Golf Links and historic courses such as Scotscraig, Crail, Ladybank and Leven Thistle, to smaller clubs like Falkland and Cupar, saw participants share ideas about how golf can be developed so more people, especially women and children, are encouraged to take part.

The discussion benefited from input from co-organiser and well-known golf photographer Mark Alexander who, along with wife Yvonne, runs golf and marketing agency the Word Association, which promotes clubs in Fife and further afield.

Contributions were also made by St Andrews Links Trust, Fife Golf Partnership and Braemar Golf, as well as Lundin Ladies and Lundin Golf Club which provided a great example of a community working together to nurture talent.

“We are very lucky in North East Fife to have so many great golf courses and clubs but we can’t be complacent and need to continue to work hard and share ideas so the whole area can benefit,” Mr Gethins said.

Mr Alexander added: “There is clearly strong enthusiasm for working collaboratively for the mutual benefit of everyone and it was important that our local MP could see this in an open forum.”