Muir of Ord tees up a shot at coveted Golf Club of the Year accolade
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A ROSS-SHIRE golf club which has experienced one of its most successful years yet, is taking a shot at being crowned the best in the country.
Muir of Ord Golf Club has sent in its nomination to win Scotland’s Club of the Year, which is part of Scottish Golf Awards.
The bid has been made by club manager John Forbes, club captain Allan D Pollock and marketing convenor Hamish Milne to win the top title.
The trio believe that 2016 was one of the most successful years in the club’s history, which dates back to 1875.
The club has 661 members, is managed by a 12-strong council of management and has recently attracted 37 new members from an open day and a recruitment drive at a university event.
Last year the club turned a deficit of £12,000 into a profit of £15,000, to provide a stable future economic position.
Four new tee sponsors, six new competition sponsors and sponsors for advertising banners have been recruited, bringing in a total of £2500.
The club marketing convener has also embarked on an initiative to create the James Braid - North of Scotland Trail and website involving six other local courses which have been wholly or partly designed by Braid.
"It is envisaged through this form of advertising, which will potentially be viewed worldwide, a heightened awareness of James Braid designed golf courses will materialise and again bring more golfers not only to our club in particular but to the Highlands in general," states their nomination.
"Working in partnership with these six other clubs has improved contact and working relationships with their respective management teams and can only help in the promotion of golf in the Highlands."
The club celebrated a number of successes last year, including the triumph of the club’s junior team of Ben Cowie, Sam Cowie, Robbie Macrae, along with senior member Duncan Bethune, who won the Scottish Junior Open at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.
Club member David Paterson, who is registered blind, qualified to represent Scotland and was the only member of the team to win all four of his matches against England/Wales.
The winner will be announced at the Scottish Golf Awards on Friday, February 24.
