Colin opens Dunning pavilion

Dec 14 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

COLIN Montgomerie was accompanied by another special guest at the official opening of the new £240,000 Rollo Park Community Pavilion in Dunning, writes Gordon Bannerman.

The top Scots golfer took along the Ryder Cup that he was presented with as captain of the triumphant European team at Celtic Manor in Wales.

His presence, and the appearance of the cherished trophy, capped a memorable day for the Perthshire village, just a couple of miles from his new family home.

Two years ago, Monty agreed to an exhibition match and coaching clinic only to find it washed out by a wild storm. Instead, he conducted an impromptu question and answer session in the old and ramshackle clubhouse.

But at the weekend, he returned to Dunning Golf Club, where he enjoys honorary membership, to cut the ribbon to open the smart new pavilion.

He was joined by Commonwealth Games tennis gold medallist Colin Fleming for the landmark occasion.

Yesterday, Dunning Golf Club captain David Taylor, from Perth, said: “It was a fantastic day. The two Colins couldn’t have been more supportive. And it was a real bonus to have the Ryder Cup here. I’ve never seen so many cameras in my life. Everyone wanted to pose with it. It was a lovely touch by Monty.”

He recalled: “Colin promised he would be back after the exhibition match was washed out and with the Ryder Cup won in Wales he agreed to officially open our new community pavilion.

“There has been a huge fundraising programme in the village so it was an emotional day for us. Sportscotland gave us a £124,000 grant and there was support from Perth and Kinross Council, the Gannochy Trust, the Perth and Kinross Quality of Life Trust and the Robertson Trust. The village also rallied round to raise £20,000.”

The new Rollo Trust pavilion offers superb facilities for golfers, tennis players and village clubs and societies.

Ladies from the golf and tennis clubs laid on a buffet to mark the occasion in a pavilion which provides separate changing rooms for adults and youngsters, offices and greenkeeper’s room, a lounge and fitted kitchen.

“The Stepping Stones group has already held a successful bingo tea in the pavilion and an agreement with the council means our toilets will be open to the public. The council has also improved the car park and the play area so we are very grateful for their backing,” said Mr Taylor.

The park was gifted to the people of Dunning by Lord Rollo in 1947.

Mr Taylor said: “It is a wonderful legacy and now the facilities are better than ever.

“It was fantastic to have a top golfer and a top tennis player along for the occasion.”

While Monty has smashed all manner of records on the global golf scene, he has yet to threaten the par 66 Dunning course record.

But Mr Taylor, who noted that the future is bright for the golf club with 64 juniors on board, noted: “As an honorary member he is welcome to play any time he wants.

“Normally members have to produce three handicap cards but in this case the committee decided that wouldn’t be required!

We were delighted when he accepted honorary membership.

“He has also indicted he will try to sport the club badge on his bag if possible at major events. So we will be keeping an eye open for that.

“The two Colins made excellent speeches at the opening event and while it was hard work along the way it has all been worthwhile.

“Local builder Jim Crow and Son did a fine job and they have kindly donated a clock and weather vane for the pavilion. It has been a real community effort and one Dunning should be proud of.”