Golf association saved
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THE Banffshire Golf Association has been saved from going out of bounds, with renewed interest bringing it back into full swing.
The 12-club link-up, which takes in Royal Tarlair and Duff House Royal to the east and Garmouth and Kingston to the west, was in danger of folding due to a drop in interest.
But with a brand new committee at the helm and support from sponsors, the association is now out of the rough.
And its premier tournament, the County Championship, tees off at Keith Golf Club on Sunday, with a large entry anticipated.
New president Colin Ross (Cullen GC) admitted dwindling numbers had meant the prospects were very gloomy for the BGA continuing in its current format.
But he says new blood has been recruited, and although much hard work has still to be done, the group is beginning to thrive once more.
"The season’s first competition, the spring meeting at Spey Bay in April, saw a field of 68 on a cold day not conducive to golf," Ross said. "The new committee were greatly encouraged by this with more than half the member clubs being well represented."
"As we approached season 2012, a real possibility arose that the association may fold," he admitted. "Special meetings were held in February and March to gauge member support and determine whether the BGA should carry on."
The outcome was the formation of a new committee, comprising Ross as president, Pat Allan (Keith GC) as secretary, Brian Sutherland (Duff House Royal) as vice-president, Mike Reid (Dufftown) as treasurer and George Clark (Cullen) as match secretary.
"All clubs have nominated reps to attend meetings and supply input," Ross added. "This has all happened in a short space of time and the impact is flourishing."
But he says more input from all member clubs and some forward planning will be needed to ensure that the association has a bright future.
"The hard work has just begun, but signs are encouraging. We welcome and will discuss any member suggestions that can enhance or improve the association."
