Broomieknowe Golf Club
Captain’s Report
JUNE 2025
Broomieknowe Golf Club
Captain’s Report
JUNE 2025
Introduction
Championship
Unfortunately, the championship week started with very poor weather that resulted in considerable delays to play and resulted in the Championship Qualifier being reduced to a single round. Although this was not a desirable position, thanks must go to Mark Patchett and John McMillan for their considerable efforts on the course and the decisions they had to make. We were fortunate to have good weather for the rest of the week and those who walked the course were privileged to see some very good golf.
I would like to thank everyone who assisted during the week but particularly our starters, John White and Gus Milliken, the Referees, Mark Patchett and John McMillan for their organisation throughout the week and the Clubhouse Staff for providing a great food and drink service for us all. Particular credit must go to the greens staff for presenting the course in such good condition throughout.
Thank you to all who participated in the event. The men’s and junior qualifiers were keenly contested but the two ladies categories less so with four players only in the Championship and four only in the Bronze category. It is always sad to see the small number of ladies taking part and I always hope that next year might be different.
Many congratulations to the winners in all categories, particularly the Gents Champion Sean Marc and the Ladies Champion Kate McIntosh. Many of you would have noticed several dogs walking on the course during the week. I decided to take a more relaxed approach simply because they belonged to supporters of the players. I do now however need to remind everyone that dogs are not permitted on the course.
Staffing Update
There have been some major changes to the Greenkeeping Team in the last couple of weeks. Billy Hudson has accepted the position of Course Manager at Murrayfield Golf Club. We would like to thank him for his hard work and wish him well in this new position that commenced today, the 23rd June.
Following the resignation of our Deputy Head Greenkeeper, recruitment and interview processes were undertaken and Jack Sibbald was successful in his application for the position.
We have since been very fortunate to be able to promote James Naylor to the position of Head Greenkeeper at Broomieknowe with immediate effect, thus ensuring continuity within the team.
The Directors are confident that the Members will continue to support the Greens Staff and Volunteers in their efforts to maintain and improve the golf course.
Stray Balls
We have received a report from a home-owner of roof damage and balls in the garden of a property to the right of the third hole. I have observed many slices from the third tee recently so PLEASE report these to the Administrator if your ball is not found and, if your favourite shot is a slice, perhaps consider an iron off the tee. Balls continue to stray into other properties (including the compound) to the right of the fourth and behind the second and eighteenth greens so please take care and try to protect our neighbours.
The Clubhouse
Footfall in the clubhouse continues to increase and thanks must go to all the staff involved in providing services to our members, their guests and visitors. Please continue to show your appreciation for their collective effort. Improvements to the clubhouse environment continue with redecoration that is partially complete and re-carpeting that is upcoming. Efforts are being made to minimize the disruption to services but please look out for updates that will be issued to inform you all.
Captain’s Charity: Crohn’s and Colitis UK
Like last year, I am working hard to acquire a wide range of four-ball vouchers from clubs across Scotland and have ventured into Northumberland this year. These will be auctioned, presented as raffle prizes and awarded to teams successful in the Captain’s Charity event.
Can I also remind you all of the ‘Bunker Penalty’ – please put your 50pence in a collecting tin if you are in any of the bunkers on the 18th hole! Collecting tins are available in the Professional’s shop, in the locker rooms and on the bars.
Finally
It was nice to see some sunshine and a bit of warmth this week for a change. I hope you all continue to have a successful season and look out for notifications of Charity fundraising efforts!!
Alison Scott (Captain)
