(Image: Supplied)
Members at The Glen voted at the end of last month against taking forward discussions with The Ancient Links Golf Company (TALGC), bringing an end to months of debate over the prospect of outside investment and a new operating model at the East Lothian club.
In Fife, meanwhile, Scotscraig Golf Club has just completed its first year under a management contract with TALGC. Members still own the course and the clubhouse, there's been substantial investment in the facilities, and outgoing captain George Heron believes any fears over the arrangements have failed to materialise.
In fact Mr Heron, a member of the club for almost 25 years, says he would vote for the arrangement again "100%".
(Image: Damian Shields)
During the debate at The Glen, did anyone from the club contact Scotscraig about your experience?
There was communication between Scotscraig and The Glen. I wasn't directly involved, although I offered to be available should I be required.
There was a day organised when a group of members from Scotscraig were going to go down, have lunch and chat to members generally. But because of the situation that evolved in North Berwick, that visit, almost an exchange, didn't happen.
I know there were some conversations between the two clubs, but I don't know the content or exactly who was involved.
What challenges was Scotscraig facing when the search for an alternative arrangement began?
It was purely financial, to be fair. The economics of a golf course are fairly straightforward. You've got income from membership fees, you've got your costs to run the venue, and generally you find the gap is filled by visitors.
Over the years, for one reason or another, the investment hadn't been put back into Scotscraig. The facility was becoming a bit tired. The machinery and the environment for staff were making it difficult for them to do their jobs.
It was clear there was going to be a time coming soon when the club would have difficulty being financially viable.
The clubhouse during restoration work in January of this year. George Heron says investment in the venue has transformed the member and visitor experience during TALGC's first year operating the club (Image: Supplied)
What was the reaction from members when they were told significant change was required?
There are always people who resist change, but the engagement process was very open and very frank. It was supported with actual evidence of the difficulties the club had been encountering over many years.
Through that honesty and openness, the members quickly realised the severity of the situation and ultimately were completely supportive of making the change.
What were people most worried about?
Loss of control, the risk associated with a third party being involved, and the unknowns that come with that.
Perhaps the golf club could become one of these destinations for visitors only, rather than for members. Really, the opportunity to play at the club and the loss of control were the two concerns that most stuck in my mind.
The Playfair Trophy Room post-renovation (Image: Supplied)
Has that concern about members potentially being squeezed out by visitors materialised?
Before Ancient Links became involved, members only used the golf course 35%, maybe 40%, of the time. For 60% of the time, the course was pretty much lying empty.
This year there hasn't been any serious or significant contention between members and visitors. There has been capacity to handle both.
There are protected members' tee times every day of the week. Members can still book any available times outside those.
What have been the most obvious benefits during the first year?
There are three areas I would categorise it into. One is the refurbishment of the clubhouse itself, which happened fairly quickly after Ancient Links became involved.
The refurbishment has significantly improved the facilities. We've got a new trophy room where the club's history and trophies can be displayed far better than previously, while other areas of the clubhouse have also been upgraded.
The investment programme has included bunker restoration work (Image: Supplied)
The quality of service, the food and the overall experience have all been lifted. The training given to staff has significantly improved the member and visitor experience.
Have any aspects of the arrangement not worked out as expected?
I'm sure there will be many members who have their own views on it, but from my point of view, no.
We discussed very thoroughly what the broad expectations were around the need for investment, and TALGC have delivered against those in the manner and at the speed they promised.
For me, it's been a very positive experience. The members I speak with are also very positive about what has happened.
Scotscraig Golf Club, where investment in the course, clubhouse and machinery has followed the club's partnership with TALGC (Image: Supplied)
Knowing what you know today, would you vote for the arrangement again?
I would, yes. Absolutely. 100%.
The imperative to make a change because of the difficulty of the situation drove us forward, but I think we have confirmed that we made the right decision so far with TALGC. I would have no hesitation in doing it again.
What would you say to another member-owned Scottish club considering something similar?
If you find your club is in danger of being in trouble and you need a partner to help you navigate through that, the experience we've had at Scotscraig is a positive one.
If a situation can be reached that both parties feel is a way forward, I would certainly explore it.
(Image: Damian Shields)