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Membership drive teed-up as Muir of Ord Golf Club gets back in the swing after lockdown lay-off


By Hector MacKenzie

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Muir of Ord Golf Club vice-captain Jean-Pierre Sieczkarek and president Kenny MacGruer teeing off to celebrate re-opening after lockdown eased. Picture: Callum Mackay
Muir of Ord Golf Club vice-captain Jean-Pierre Sieczkarek and president Kenny MacGruer teeing off to celebrate re-opening after lockdown eased. Picture: Callum Mackay

A ROSS-SHIRE golf club back in action after lockdown restrictions were eased is now teeing up a charm offensive to attract more members.

Muir of Ord Golf Club got back in the swing last Friday with almost all tee times snapped up. While golfers relished getting back on the greens, the clubhouse remains shut and income has inevitably hit the bunker during the 10-week closure.

Fifteen new members signed up during lockdown and the club is keen to attract more with a variety of packages being lined up.

Honour of striking the first ball went to president Kenny MacGruer who’s ball split the pristine first fairway. Those playing – observing social distancing – enjoyed their round and paid tribute to the efforts of head greenkeeper Darren Hexley.

Guidance such as not touching the flags and bunker rakes being removed were followed.

Boom! President Kenny MacGruer relishes his first post-lockdown fairway-splitting strike. Picture: Callum Mackay
Boom! President Kenny MacGruer relishes his first post-lockdown fairway-splitting strike. Picture: Callum Mackay

Seniors Mike Bentley and Colin MacMillan made their mark with holes in one at the 13th.

Club manager John Forbes welcomed the addiiton of members as an encouraging sign at a time when income is an issue.

The club welcomes anyone who wishes to join and has a variety of packages ranging from a half year membership costing the equivalent of £45 a month to country memberships for those living more than 30 miles away.

There are many financial challenges ahead for golf clubs with courses to be maintained and no income for 10 weeks. Muir of Ord Golf Club will celebrate its 150 year anniversary in 2025 and is already planning how to mark the milestone.

Awarded the title Club of the Year in 2016, it has displayed remarkable stability down the years.


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