135 people joined remote club to save it from closing

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir December 9, 2020 18:35

A remote Scottish golf club has revealed that 135 people from across the world joined it this year to save it from closing.

Brora Golf Club in the Highlands feared it would close down when British golf courses were forced to close in March.

However, a dedicated campaign across various platforms attracted “acts of kindness” said the club’s president, from around the world and ensured a story of survival for a club founded in 1891 that is the lifeblood of the local community.

Brora Golf Club  

Over 130 new members have pledged their support to the club in 2020, from as far afield as Australia, Japan, the United States of America, Sweden and Switzerland.

Among them is owner of The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links – another remote Scottish venue, on the Isle of Islay – Gavyn Davies, who has been a long-time admirer of the James Braid-designed venue.

Davies was among a small number of individuals to take out Platinum Membership, among Brora’s innovative membership options this year, to help the club sit in a far healthier financial position going forward.

“Brora is hugely special and different, I think, from many other Scottish links,” said Davies. “It’s got a sort of atmosphere and a magic to it. I think it’s a very fine golf course, as well. It’s got everything that one of the original Scottish links should have and I was really alarmed when the virus hit.

“Brora’s survival is one of the positives of 2020 and I’m relieved for all of the members, who must have been severely concerned. I know there are lots of courses around Brora, but I’m sure the Brora membership would have been devastated, actually. It’s a big thing to go out of your life if you lose your golf club.”

Brora Golf Club

Brora’s president Andy Stewart is now confident for the future. He said: “It’s been a hugely challenging year for everyone across the world and Brora, as a club, has been no different. The club is so important to the local community and we are pleased to have rallied together to meet the challenges we have faced.

“Tony Gill, our general manager, and our PGA pro, Malcolm Murray, have worked particularly hard to encourage new members to join. Now thanks to the support of 135 new members and other acts of kindness from across the world, we are optimistic for our future.”

 

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir December 9, 2020 18:35
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6 Comments

  1. Titch December 11, 00:47

    Brora and golspie are two of the finest golf courses anywhere. Much better than the more illustrious dornoch, which like st Andrews and North berwick are hugely overrated. Scotlands tourist industry missing a trick not promoting the best courses

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  2. Wayne December 9, 20:01

    This is a terrific story about how international golfers have helped to keep Brora going during the pandemic. Brora offers everything with blind shots, gusts of wind, electrified fences around greens and even its own local whisky (Clynelish). A must play when visiting nearby Royal Dornoch. And wait until you play the difficult Par 3 finishing hole!

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  3. Peter December 9, 19:42

    When they love you, they’ll go out of their way for you and pay almost anything to have you !! A lesson for others, loyalty !!

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  4. SMilne December 9, 19:30

    Amazing acts of kindness and generosity and a brilliant course ⛳️

    Reply to this comment
    • Stuart Ritter December 10, 00:34

      Played there Sept. absolutely fantastic course,wild and very natural and although aware of electric fences around the greens, a bit of a surprise to encounter the highland cattle roaming over the course(they completely ignored us).Members very friendly and golf staff really helpful.Can’t wait to visit again, real golf courses don’t come much better.

      Reply to this comment
  5. Murray December 9, 18:53

    Brilliant gestures, it’s a most marvellous place for sure!

    Reply to this comment
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