New members help Brora Golf Club survive impact of Covid
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A global surge of support has put Brora Golf Club in a more stable financial position going into its 130th anniversary year.
There were fears when the pandemic struck earlier this year that the club could fall out of existence due to the impact on visitor income.
But after a campaign for survival, the club – which was founded in 1891 – has more than 130 new members.
They come from as far afield as Australia, Japan, America, Sweden and Switzerland.
And some from closer to home, too.
Gavyn Davies, the owner of the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links on Islay has been a long-time admirer of the James Braid-designed venue in Sutherland.
Davies was among a small number of individuals to take out Platinum Membership, among Brora’s innovative membership options this year, to help the club sit in a far healthier financial position.
“Brora is hugely special and different, I think, from many other Scottish links,” said Davies. “It’s got a sort of atmosphere and a magic to it. I think it’s a very fine golf course, as well. It’s got everything that one of the original Scottish links should have and I was really alarmed when the virus hit.”
Davies, who has had his own challenges at the stunning Machrie on the island of Islay due to the pandemic, added: “Brora’s survival is one of the positives of 2020 and I’m relieved for all of the members, who must have been severely concerned. I know there are lots of courses around Brora, but I’m sure the Brora membership would have been devastated, actually. It’s a big thing to go out of your life if you lose your golf club.”
Cookie Jar Golf recently produced a video story of the club’s dramatic year.
Brora Golf Club is now looking forward to celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2021.
President Andy Stewart is confident for the future and said: “It’s been a hugely challenging year for everyone across the world and Brora, as a club, has been no different. The club is so important to the local community and we are pleased to have rallied together to meet the challenges we have faced.
“Tony Gill, our general manager, and our PGA pro, Malcolm Murray, have worked particularly hard to encourage new members to join. Now thanks to the support of 135 new members and other acts of kindness from across the world, we are optimistic for our future.”
