Blairgowrie GC captain claims refunding club fees could have led to closure.

Captain says returning fees to members may have led to club’s closure

Refunds to compensate for the lack of golf during the coronavirus lockdown could have led to the closure of a prestigious Perthshire club, it has been revealed.

Peter Inglis, club captain of Blairgowrie Golf Club, has given an update to members on the current Covid-19 situation and its implications.

Mr Inglis confirmed that a handful of members have put in writing a request for money back on their 2020 subscriptions as a result of being starved of golf for several weeks at what should have been the start of their season.

However, the committee has come to the unanimous conclusion that to do so would have jeopardised the very existence of the club.

“Quite simply, refunding this year’s fees could lead to the closure of Blairgowrie Golf Club,” he pointed out.

Blairgowrie, founded in 1889, has three heathland golf courses – Rosemount, Lansdowne and the Wee Course – all of which regularly feature in Top 100 lists for Scotland and the UK.

Rosemount was designed by James Braid with influence from Dr Alistair MacKenzie, the renowned architect of the Augusta National course. It was the venue for Greg Norman’s first European Tour victory and the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup.

Designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, the tree-lined Lansdowne has hosted a number of championships.

The Wee Course is a popular ninehole course, again with the eye of MacKenzie in its design.

That member refunds at a well-run, historic club as Blairgowrie would have brought such dire consequences spells out the critical financial situation for golf in Scotland.

In his letter to members, Mr Inglis wrote: “Following the announcement from the UK and Scottish governments, it is clear that golf courses in Scotland must remain closed at this time. We will continue to review updates from Scottish Golf, the R&A as well as local authorities.

“With England getting the go ahead for golf as of Wednesday, clearly we are not far away from a return.

“Work continues on our Covid-19 operating plan and we will be sharing this with members very shortly.

“This document will provide detailed guidance of how the club will operate from making your booking, to arriving at the club, playing the course and heading home.

“In advance of publishing this document, we are confident that members will adhere to these guidelines, knowing they are designed to enable us to provide a safe environment for all of our members to enjoy their golf.

“We have had a small number of members write to us and request refunds of their 2020 subscriptions, or inquiring about fees for this year.

“We are looking into ways to add value to your membership subscriptions but your committee is united in the belief that no refunds can be given.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, however subscriptions and visitor income are the bedrock of the club’s finances.

“Quite simply, refunding this year’s fees could lead to the closure of Blairgowrie Golf Club. Given these unprecedented circumstances, we would, therefore, call on all members to embrace their responsibility as the owners, shareholders and custodians of their club – and support the measures being taken to ensure Blairgowrie Golf Club remains financially secure for the enjoyment of current and future generations of golfers.”

Managing secretary Steven Morgan stressed the long-term financial health of the club was driving the committee’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As everyone is only too well aware, businesses are facing unprecedented challenges and golf clubs are no different,” he said.

“Understandably, golfers around the country are eager to get back playing. Given the latest announcements from both the UK and Scottish governments, it is clear that golf courses in Scotland still have to remain closed.

“But with golf being allowed in England as of Wednesday, we are hopeful that Scotland won’t be far behind.

“Our members have been very patient and understanding. That support has been invaluable.

“As ever, we will be guided by updates from Scottish Golf, the R&A and, of course, the Scottish Government. But hopefully members will soon have a chance to get the clubs out again.”

Mr Inglis noted that all 45 holes at Blairgowrie are “in good shape” and that the greens team will be increased as soon as a return date for golf is confirmed.

Blairgowrie Golf Club has revealed issuing refunds for the 2020 season could have resulted in its closure for good.

Picture: Angus Forbes. Club captain Peter Inglis said the committee did not come to its decision lightly.