Craigie Hill launch course share deal

Jun 19 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

CRAIGIE Hill Golf Club has teed-up a ground-breaking arrangement that will see members enjoy free golf at three excellent courses around the country.

They have teamed-up with Turnhouse in Edinburgh, Helensburgh and Stranraer to give golfers an “added bonus.”

“We have got to look outside the box in these difficult times for golf clubs,” said Turnhouse secretary Dougie Cleeton.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hill members will get to play for free at the three other courses, with only minor terms and conditions in place.

“Craigie Hill and Turnhouse discussed this idea initially and, after learning both clubs were amenable, we then got in touch with Stranraer and Helensburgh as well,” he explained.

“Clubs all over the country are doing an awful lot at the moment to try and entice new members but this looks at the wider picture.

“We all have to try and retain the members we have as clubs are competing against each other and we see this as an added bonus for our members.”

The arrangement has been given the thumbs up by Craigie Hill members, many of whom will now be planning days out at the other courses over the coming weeks.

Hamish Grey, CEO of the Scottish Golf Union, says the four clubs should be applauded for showing such initiative.

“We welcome anything that adds to the value of being a member of a golf club and helps keep people as a member of a golf club,” he said.

“This is the whole premise behind the Scottish Golf Card that was launched earlier this year. Golf club members are getting the best deals at a great number of courses.”

Grey added: “We have been hugely encouraged by our Golf Awareness Week in April as that showed that golf is still attractive despite the current economic conditions.”