Scottish golf club facing uncertain future handed two-year reprieve

Craigie Hill in Perth was in jeopardy after a planning bid to create a nine-hole course and flagship sports and community hub financed by a broad range of housing was rejected by Perth and Kinross Council on the grounds of being contrary to the Local Development Plan.

But, thanks to prospective development partner and Tayside groundworks specialists Kilmac, along with supportive businesses, the club has been given time to explore discussions over its future with the local authority.

With Kilmac and other businesses now pledging to cover losses over the next two seasons, incoming captain Graeme Lundberg has launched a ‘Race to Elie Winter League competition, with the winner bagging a week’s holiday at a plush five-bedroom home in the historic East Neuk coastal village.

‘We have a security blanket in place’

“Our Winter League started in 1932 and we believe it to be one of, if not the oldest, competition of its type in club golf,” said Lundberg, who has been a Craigie Hill member for 17 years.

“The backing from Kilmac and other sympathetic businesses means that the club can look forward to the next two years knowing we have a security blanket in place.

“This degree of certainty has enabled us to put plans in place for the winter and next season, with competitively priced membership packages introduced across various age groups ranging from under 15 up to 35.

“The holiday home prize is valued at more than £2000 and the ‘Race to Elie’ runs for 18 weeks through to the start of April, with rounds held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“There are three handicap divisions and the best eight net scores from up to 72 potential rounds count towards prizes which also include fourball vouchers for Gleneagles and The Dukes in St Andrews, and other prizes.

“For the first time ladies and juniors are also welcome to participate. A £150 fee provides non members with an opportunity to join us playing on full greens at Craigie Hill, often at a time of year when their own courses might be waterlogged or restricted to winter greens.

“While the course will be shorter, playing off red tees ensures scoring is going to be highly competitive and with individual round entry fees set at £3.50 cash prizes are also up for grabs throughout the winter.”

Entry forms for the Winter League competition are available from [email protected] and membership information is accessible on [email protected]