North Inch golf course sees upturn in fortunes.

Perth: More junior members, ladies’ sessions and footgolf have all helped

One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, which was threatened with closure, has seen a big turnaround in its fortunes, according to a new report.

It had been feared the North Inch golf course may have to shut because of financial problems but a six-year plan devised by Perth and Kinross Council last spring appears to be paying dividends.

The council-run course’s annual report for the 2016 to 2017 financial year shows total income has increased from £60,494 to £83,623.

The performance figures show there were 3,255 visitor rounds of golf played in 2016-17 – a 14% increase – and the club attracted 49 new golfers, 63% over its target.

It has been recorded that King James VI played on the North Inch in the 1500s and Beasley’s World of Atlas of Golf described it as “the first recognisable golf course in the world”.

The club now has 817 Facebook followers and tries to interact with them on a daily basis. In addition, club chiefs have a new YouTube channel showing golf course videos.

A report drawn up by Barbara Renton, the council’s director of environment, said the game of golf was at “a crossroads” at the present time.

“In the last decade, the number of adult playing members has decreased significantly in Scotland to below 200,000 members,” she said.

“In addition, almost 90% of registered members are aged 35 or over, with the majority aged between 55 and 74.”

Her report continues: “Golf in Scotland requires a new direction to provide greater opportunity for investment and growth.

“Recent years has seen everdecreasing resources being invested from membership affiliation income, commercial revenue and funding partners.”

Ms Renton outlines several initiatives which are helping the North Inch golf club to survive in the present financial climate.

These include increasing the growth in its junior golf membership from five to almost 70 during the past two years.

She also highlights the club-run beginner ladies’ golf sessions that take place every second Monday at the course.

And Ms Renton pointed to creating a “sustainable future” by running a ninehole footgolf course at the North Inch. Footgolf is played by kicking a regular sized football into an oversized hole.

The annual report will be discussed at the council’s environment, enterprise and infrastructure committee on Wednesday.

Golf in Scotland requires anew direction to provide greater opportunity for investment and growth. BARBARA RENTON PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL

The North Inch golf course’s income and membership are both up, says its annual report.