Redundancies ‘a possibility’ at Scotscraig

Scotscraig Golf Club in Tayport has warned it is “highly likely” they will have to make significant savings and may be forced to consider redundancies due to the impact of coronavirus.

The world’s 13th oldest golf club is keeping in touch with Scottish Golf to prepare a comprehensive safety plan for when the Scottish Government deems it safe for golf courses north of the border to reopen.

However, captain Ken Glass said the financial impact of lockdown had already been “significant”.

Like many local courses, Scotscraig relies significantly on visitor income and this was “unlikely to materialise to any significant extent this year and perhaps into next year”.

Bar and catering income had ceased and, like many other clubs, membership is down as people wait to see what transpires.

With the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews now deferred until 2022, the expected spin-offs from visitors to Scotscraig and other local clubs where Open qualifying is played would also now be delayed.

However, the priority of the club had to be the safety of members, staff and visitors alike as it supports all steps taken to suppress the virus and look after the wider population.

“We are fortunate to have a solid membership and loyal and supportive staff,” said Mr Glass.

“We have a historic course and an excellent clubhouse. We have a will to survive and we are working hard to put in place a financial plan to map that out.

“We are fortunate to have a team of accountants who are members and they are crunching numbers and modelling how our finances will develop over the next two years. These will be difficult years not only for golf but for a number of other sports clubs.

“Sadly it is highly likely that we will have to make significant savings and we may be forced to consider redundancies.

“We are to consult with staff regarding this and to seek ways of avoiding such an event.

“We are looking at methods of support from the government schemes and also from external sources.

“Like many clubs we will likely require to ‘slim down’ to maintain cash flow. We will, however, develop a plan to grow again once the crisis is over.”