International support props up Sutherland golf course after pandemic plunges it into financial 'black hole'
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An upsurge of support from across the globe is propping up a Sutherland golf course in danger of financial collapse as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Golf enthusiasts locally and internationally are rallying round Brora Golf Club after it made its plight known on social media.
And thousands of pounds have been poured into the club in recent weeks to purchase memberships and merchandise through its website, enabling it to keep going in the short-term.
Club president Andy Stewart said: “We are way more hopeful that we were. Two weeks ago I was looking at a black hole and had little confidence we could fill it.
“I am far more confident now, given the level of support we have had.”
The club, which has 600 members and is one of the biggest employers in the area, had been looking forward to a busy and successful 2020 season.
In recent years Brora has seen its membership grow by five per cent year on year, bucking the industry trend which has seen other clubs experience an average year on year 10 per cent fall.
But the onset of the virus and the national, temporary lockdown meant the club had to close its doors and lay off all but three of its 20-strong staff.
Head greenkeeper James MacBeath, professional Malcolm Murray and general manager Tony Gill have been retained.
Mr Stewart said: “We were one of the first clubs to react to the situation and others are now following suit.
“Two weeks ago we had to take the regrettable decision to furlough all but three of our employees who were considered essential. We also deferred other plans for the year and reduced costs.
“We had a budget for visitor income of £350,000 and everything, all of our year, was planned around that number.
“We now had a financial hole we needed to plug.”
He then sent out a social media post asking members for their continued support.
A new page was set up on the club website https://broragolfclub.co.uk/ where various items could be purchased to support Brora and achieve an association with the club.
And Mr Stewart has been staggered by the response.
Orders flooded in not just for merchandise but also for membership - with new categories created such as a platinum life membership and international lifetime membership. Straight donations have also been made.
Also popular have been vouchers to play golf at Brora in the future.
“The whole social media response has been absolutely incredible. In the last week alone we have raised just over £70,000,” said Mr Stewart.
“On Wednesday I packed the car full with parcels containing merchandise people had bought from the pro shop.”
“We would very much like to recognise the response we have had in particular from our own members. They have been fantastic.”
The investment has given the club a breathing space but it has been stressed that the support needed to continue.
Part of the 'Magnificent Seven' golf clubs that form The James Braid Highland Golf Trail, starting at Boat of Garten in the south to Reay in the far north, Brora is only an hour from Inverness by car. The club is also part of the Dornoch Firth Golf Pass, together with Royal Dornoch, Tain and Golspie.
Brora boasts a proud history and enjoys a notable link with five-time Open champions – from Braid, who redesigned the course in 1923, to honorary members Tom Watson and the late Peter Thomson. With a par of 70, it was described by Thomson, as “one of the finest natural links courses I have had the pleasure of playing.”
For more information on all membership categories and visitor bookings at Brora, contact Tony Gill, secretary, on email at: secretary@broragolf.co.uk
