Broomieknowe Golf Club
Captain’s Report
May 2024
The Course
I am sure Members will echo my thanks to the Greens Team and the Volunteers for the huge efforts made to keep our course playable – unlike many in the immediate area. We must welcome Fraser Hudson onto the Greens Staff for the summer months. He has experience from Ratho and Kingsknowe and will be a valuable addition to the team at this, the busiest, time of year.
Four ladies played the final qualifier for the Championship on Sunday 26th May. We started in an absolute monsoon and were astonished to find that the course in general, although wet and challenging, was eminently playable. Yes, there were some puddles on greens but none on the 11th or 13th where they might have been expected. Some bunkers did have some water but none was apparent in the new bunkers in the top field. The four of us did become a bit smug when we played the back nine dry and even with some sunshine!!
See the images below from two local courses that reinforce just how lucky we are.
Midlothian Ladies Champion – Again!
Many congratulations to Kate McIntosh for her defense of the Midlothian Ladies Championship. This is the third in a row but I have lost count of her total victories! Well done Kate!
Ladies Event 4th July
Broomieknowe is hosting the annual Morison Millar Competition on 4th July 2024. There will be 128 ladies playing two rounds of foursomes in teams meaning that the course will not be available for general play on that day and male members will not have access to their locker room. Can we – respectfully – ask that, should a gentleman require equipment from his locker that this is removed by the 3rd of July. The clubhouse will be extremely busy through lunch and dinner service for the competitors.
Thanks to Maggie Salmond and Kathleen McNeill for doing the demanding committee thing and to all the ladies and gents who have volunteered their services to make the event a success and a positive advertisement for BKGC.
The Greenkeeper’s Compound and Accommodation
Huge efforts have been made to tidy the compound, the equipment shed and the white house. As many of us will be aware, the accommodation for the staff was in a disgraceful condition and grateful thanks to all concerned with its renovation. We are particularly grateful to Neil Reid and Kevin Armitage for securing grants in excess of £20k to enable a full renovation of the staff area including installation of a heat pump, new shower, WC and drying facilities. Consideration has also been given to Health and Safety requirements.
The Clubhouse
Grateful thanks to Steven, the head chef and his catering colleagues for their efforts towards enhancing the clubhouse menu. The changes are proving successful and dining footfall is increasing. The ‘specials’ are proving to be popular and, as they are changing fortnightly, we are confident that diners are increasing in number and are returning more often.
Thanks also to Stuart, Lisa and all the bar and serving staff. I have noticed that the clubhouse is becoming very busy for coffee in the mornings with the clubhouse apparently becoming a social hub. This was always an aim and it is pleasing to see this coming to fruition.
Thanks to John Gaff for his fortnightly quiz nights – I know how much effort he puts in to make these successful and he has earned his summer holidays. See you in August John!
Finally
I hope you will all have read and taken on board the communications regarding balls in the gardens to the right of the 4th fairway. Please try to select a club that you will not slice – sorry power fade – 200m into a neighbouring property. Not worth risking a lost ball or OOB, surely better to hit the fairway with 1st shot, green with the 2nd and a single putt for a birdie!!
Championship is nearly upon us again so I would like everyone to pray for good weather and an enjoyable week of golf.
Alison Scott (Captain)
