87679_The Blairgowrie Golf Club_Annual Report

1889

The Blairgowrie Golf Club

Report
Minutes and Accounts

for
Year ended
30th September 2016

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The Blairgowrie Golf Club

✩✩✩

OFFICE BEARERS

Captain - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ROBIN DUNCAN
Vice-Captain- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BRIAN WESENCRAFT

Committee Members

Campbell Christie 2015- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Greens Convenor
Donald Hume 2015 – - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Assistant Competitions Convenor
Kathy Cameron 2015 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ladies Captain
Mike Beale 2014 – - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marketing & Strategy Convenor
Meriel Walker 2014- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - House Convenor
Glenn Campbell 2014 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Junior Convenor
Keith Hopkins 2013 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Finance Convenor
Eric Lindsay 2010- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Competitions Convenor

Managing Secretary
Douglas Cleeton

✩✩✩

Telephones

Office & Administration 01250 872622

Clubhouse Bar 01250 876154

Catering 01250 877899

Professional 01250 873116

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.theblairgowriegolfclub.co.uk

Address
The Blairgowrie Golf Club
Golf Course Road
Rosemount
Blairgowrie
PH10 6LG

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the
Club will be held within the BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB, Golf Course Road on
Thursday, 1st December 2016 at 7.00pm.

Douglas Cleeton, Managing Secretary
15th November 2016

AGENDA

1. Apologies.

2 a) Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 3rd
December 2015.

b) Minutes of the Special General Meeting held on Thursday 22nd
September 2016.

3. Accounts.

4. Committee Report.

5. The following motion will be tabled by Committee:

a) Ordinary Members Subscription for 2017 will be £780 inclusive of

Scottish Golf Levies.

b) Amendment to Rule 4.2

c) Amendment to Rule 6.9.2

d) Amendment to rule 6.10.1

6. Election of Office Bearers.

a) Captain – Brian Wesencraft (Committee Nomination)

b) Vice Captain – Peter Inglis (Committee Nomination)

c) Committee – There are 2 vacancies. Nominees for election are below:

Sandra McClelland (Committee Nomination)

Neil Wilkie (Committee Nomination)

Graeme Hunter (P: R Dow S: R Phillips)

7. Election of Accountants – Committee nominate Johnston Smillie

8. Any Other Competent Business.

Douglas Cleeton
Managing Secretary

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Minutes of the 126th Annual General
Meeting of The Blairgowrie Golf Club
held within the Clubhouse on Thursday,
3rd December 2015.

Present
The Captain, Mr. Robin Duncan, and 159 members attending.

Introduction
The Captain welcomed members to the 126th Annual General Meeting.

Apologies
The Captain indicated that 23 members had tendered their apologies.

1.1 Deaths
The Captain asked members to stand whilst the Managing Secretary read out the
names of 12 members who had died during the year. A silence was observed.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 5th December 2014.
The adoption of the Minutes was proposed by Barrie Douglas and seconded by Brian
Duncan.

2.1 Matters Arising – There were no matters arising

3 Accounts
The Accounts were presented by the Finance Convenor, Keith Hopkins.

The Convenor thanked the Committee and all staff for their collective teamwork
that contributes to the pro-activity and competence evident at the club. The
convenor highlighted that the ongoing VAT case and potential windfall payment,
is still ongoing, until which time, after consultation with the VAT consultant, it is
strongly recommended that green fees are not increased at all. This was further
explained that HMRC may return to the courts and tribunals to get an Unjust
Enrichment procedure to deny the club any or the entire claim, if they see reason
to do this.

The club had their annual mandatory rates relief of c. £50k withdrawn by Perth
& Kinross Council, but after dogged pursuance of this matter by the Managing
Secretary and Committee, discretionary annual rates relief for the same amount,
has been awarded until June 2016. Thereafter it is suspected any decision to
award rates relief to the club will be political, and the budget will reflect this
accordingly.

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Income at the club is stable via membership and visitor income but has dropped
considerably through the bar. The budget reflects lower bar income and there is
no evidence that this is likely to improve.

Expenditure and investment in the courses and club property is ongoing annually
in order that high standards and quality are upheld, particularly at a time when
golf clubs generally are facing troubled times. The club must still continue to
improve on what it has, so it is the first club for someone to join in this area.
Membership succession of any organisation is of paramount importance.

There were no questions.

The accounts were approved by Sandy Bushby and seconded by Neil Colville.

4, Committee Reports
The Committee reports were taken as read.

5. Motion submitted by Committee
(a) Ordinary Members Subscription
A subscription of £755 for 2016 inclusive of Scottish Golf levies was carried on
a show of hands.
(b) Amendment to Rule 4.8 – Online & postal voting. The Captain advised the
meeting that if this motion was passed, rules 4.10 and 4.11 would have the words
‘present and’ deleted as a consequence. This was acknowledged and approved.
Members were invited to comment and did so, in support of and against the
motion. A vote was taken by paper ballot. Result: 123 For/34 Against – the
motion was carried.
(c) Amendment to Rules 5.3.1, 5.3.2 and 5.3.3 – New member applications.
The Captain informed the meeting that members had indicated they wished to
represent this motion, previously defeated at a Special General Meeting in 2014.
Owing to a number of factors that impacted on the overall finances of the club,
which were explained in detail, Committee were compelled to represent this
motion. Members were invited to comment, which they did, in support of and
against the motion. A vote was taken by paper ballot. Result: 140 For/19
Against – the motion was carried

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6. Election of Office Bearers

The Captain thanked Kathy Cameron for her tenure on Committee and her
considerable contribution as House Convenor. The Captain then congratulated
Mrs Cameron on her appointment as Ladies Captain for 2015/16 and welcomed
her back to Committee for another year. Immediate Past Ladies Captain Elizabeth
Davie was thanked for her support and contribution during her tenure.

The Office Bearers were nominated by Committee as follows:

Committee members Campbell Christie (Approved)

Donald Hume (Approved)



7. Election of Accountants

Committee proposed that Johnston-Smillie Ltd be appointed as the Club’s

Accountants for the ensuing year. This was approved by the members in

attendance.

8. A.O.C.B.

There being, no AOCB the Captain closed the meeting at 8.05pm by thanking the
members for attending and inviting them to a drink in the Clubhouse.

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Special General Meeting
Thursday 22nd September 2016 at 7.30pm

At The Blairgowrie Golf Club

The Captain welcomed the 61 members present and confirmed the meeting was
quorate. There were 6 apologies.

1. The Marketing & Strategy Convenor explained that the meeting was being
held in order that, if approved, new membership categories could be
advertised & marketed prior to general golf club membership renewal.

2. The Captain then read the motions to be voted on and accepted questions
from the floor, which were duly answered.

(The results include online, postal and votes at the meeting)

Motion 1
6.6 Country, Country Associate & Overseas Members
6.6.4 (New) An Ordinary Member or person, residing permanently outside
the UK, may apply to become an Overseas member but, if admitted, will have
no voting rights and no interest in the property and management of the Club.
The subscription payable will be 25% of an Ordinary Member.
Result - 203 for/5 against – Motion carried

Motion 2
6.8. Lansdowne membership
6.8.2 (New) Any person 18 years or over may be accepted for 5-day
Lansdowne membership upon payment of 50% of the full current Ordinary
Members Subscription. 5-day Lansdowne members will have access to play
on the Lansdowne course only, on Monday to Friday inclusive, at any time,
subject to availability. 5-day members are not included on the waiting list for
Full membership, which is otherwise restricted to Lansdowne Associate
Members (6.8.1) or those on the Waiting List. 5-day Lansdowne members
may invite guests to play on Lansdowne only, at the appropriate Members
guest fee, and can only play the Wee Course or Rosemount on payment of
the relevant green fee. 5-day Lansdowne members have no voting rights and
no interest in the property and management of the Club. The total number of
Lansdowne 5-day Members will not normally exceed 50, but Committee will
have discretion to make available another 50 places.
Result – 196 For/20 against – Motion carried

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Motion 3
6.10 Intermediate Membership
6.10.6 At the age of 30 years of age, on 1st January, the Intermediate Member
must transfer into Ordinary Membership and pay the full Subscription, or
resign.
Result – 207 for/10 against – Motion carried
Motion 4
6.11 Non-Playing Membership
6.11.4 (New) A spouse or partner of an existing Full member may, on
application, become a Non-Playing member on payment of an annual fee of
£10, and have full use of the Clubhouse facilities.
Result – 198 For/10 against – Motion carried
3. The meeting concluded at 8.30pm.

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB Page
Contents
111
Income & Expenditure Account 122
Balance Sheet 133
Accountants Report 144--717
Notes to the Accounts

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
For the year ended 30 September 2016

Note 2016 2015
££ ££

Operating Income 1(b) 826,021
Subscriptions – year to 31 December 2016 30,713
Ordinary Members 22,883 840,674
Country Members 28,745 31,005
Junior & Intermediate Members 47,445 26,104
Lansdowne Members 4,666 29,996
Wee Course Members 42,683
Non Playing Members (33,975) 4,150
Less: Discount to Seniors
(33,115)
Visitors Green Fees 2 926,498
Locker Fees 941,497
Bar Profit, per Bar Account 355,774
Rents Received 3,464 398,815
Sponsorship 3,420
Driving Range Income 18,278
Bank Interest received gross 10,000 19,568
10,000
5,240
1,831 6,200
1,824 3,395
1,607
Total Operating Income 1,322,909
1,384,502
Other Income 4,205
Entrance Fees 1(f) 22,580 -
22,490
Total Income 1,349,694
1,406,992
Less Expenditure 3 722,418
Course Expenses 4 203,682 694,577
Clubhouse Expenses 5 269,691 204,849
Administration & Other Expenses 276,174
Non Recoverable VAT 94,578
1,290,369 72,657

Surplus before Finance Costs 59,325 1,248,257
158,735

Less Finance Costs 28,889 31,385
Interest Payable 127,350

Surplus for year before exceptional item 6 30,436 -
Add: Exceptional Income 568,095 127,350
(2,329)
Surplus for year before tax 7 598,531 125,021
Corporation Tax 1,635 125,021

SURPLUS FOR YEAR 600,166

Transfer to General Fund 11 600,166

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB Note 2016 2015
BALANCE SHEET 8 ££ ££
As at 30 September 2016
3,899,960 3,874,602
Fixed Assets
Current Assets 1(d) 8,922 8,182
1(d) 10,567 10,252
Stock: Bar
Course 1(g) 19,489 18,434
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Debtors 23,210 16,118
Bank: Current Accounts 377,756 439,453
547,697
Deposit Accounts 2,475
Cash: Floats 1,450 1,450

Current Liabilities 969,602 477,930
Advances to Account of Membership
Sundry Creditors & Accruals 200 4,795
Bank Term Loans 152,341 196,640

Net Current Assets 73,326 68,774

Less: Long-Term Liabilities 225,867 270,209
Bank Term Loans
10 743,735 207,721
Less: Deferred Income 11 4,643,695 4,082,323
(541,256) (616,582)
Represented by Funds & Reserves
Clubhouse Revaluation Reserve (36,532) 0
General Fund 4,065,907 3,465,741

440,047 440,047
3,625,860 3,025,694
4,065,907 3,465,741

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Expenditure Account.

………………………… ……………………………

D Cleeton K. Hopkins
Managing Secretary Finance Convener

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB
ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB
For the year ended 30 September 2016

In accordance with the engagement letter dated 31 October 2016, we have compiled the accounts of
The Blairgowrie Golf Club for the year ended 30 September 2016 from the accounting records and
information and explanations you have given us.
As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, we are subject to
its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at
http://www.icas.org.uk/accountspreparationguidance.
This report is made solely to you, in accordance with the terms of engagement. Our work has been
undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the accounts of The Blairgowrie Golf Club and state
those matters that we have agreed to state to you in accordance with the requirements of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland as detailed at
http://www.icas.org.uk/accountspreparationguidance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than you, for our work or for this report.
We have not been instructed to carry out an audit or a review of the accounts of The Blairgowrie Golf
Club. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or
information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on
the accounts.
…………………………………………
Johnston Smillie Ltd
Chartered Accountants
6 Redheughs Rigg
Edinburgh
EH12 9DQ

DDaatetedd…1…s…t…N…o…v…e…m…b…e…r…22001166

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
For the Year Ended 30 September 2016

1 Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Preparation of Accounts
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost invention and in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), with
the exception that no provision has been made to depreciate the Land, Clubhouse & Buildings.

(b) Subscriptions
Subscriptions apply for the period from 1 January to 31 December. Any subscriptions which
have been received in advance are carried forward in the Balance Sheet as a current liability.

(c) Depreciation
Provision is made for depreciation at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation, less
estimated residual value, of fixed assets over the expected useful economic lives of the assets
concerned, on the following bases:

Land, Course, Clubhouse & Buildings Depreciation Rate
Course Plant & Machinery Nil
Clubhouse Furnishings and Equipment
5%-20% Straight Line
5%-20% Straight Line

(d) Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Bar and catering stocks are
counted and valued by an independent stocktaker at the year end for accounts purposes.

(e) Pensions
The Club operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged to the
Revenue Account as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

(f) Entrance Fees
Entrance fees of new members are recognised in the Revenue Account at the time the payment
becomes due.

(g) Advances to Account of Membership
Advances to Account of Membership are the deposits paid by prospective members to go onto
the waiting list of membership. These deposits are refundable to the prospective members
should they wish to be removed from the waiting list and therefore represent a potential liability
for the Club and are not a part of the Club’s Funds & Reserves. Accordingly, the balance
outstanding for Advances to Account of Membership is shown under Current Liabilities.

2016 £ 2015 £
£ £
145,797
2 Bar Account 131,883 62.76% 54,300
Sales 47,745
Less Cost of Sales 91,497
63.80% 84,137
Gross Profit
11,080 65,859 11,964 71,929
Less Expenses 52,271 18,278 57,354 19,568
Members Discount
Remuneration 2,508 2,611
Bar Accessories & Expenses

Net Profit

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB 2016 2015
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Continued) £ £
For the Year Ended 30 September 2016

3 Course Expenses

Greenkeepers & Other Course Remuneration 450,666 434,381
Fertilisers, Seed, Sand & Soil 89,317 72,641
Equipment Repairs & Renewals 33,689 41,105
Carsie Driving Range Expenses 1,000 86
Hire of Equipment 840 517
Course Fuel & Electricity 32,695 27,664
Course Miscellaneous 21,867 16,701
Sports Council Grant written off in year (9,133) -
Loss/(Gain) on Disposal of Plant & Machinery (1,685) (28)
Depreciation – Plant & Machinery
103,162 101,510
4 Club Expenses
722,418 694,577
Clubhouse Remuneration
Rates, Licences & Insurance 50,557 46,577
Clubhouse Upkeep & Expenses 32,254 31,058
Lighting & Heating 57,917 69,455
Loss on Disposal of Furnishings & Equipment 29,632 29,752
Depreciation – Clubhouse Furnishings & Equipment
2,460 872
30,862 27,135

203,682 204,849

5 Administration & Other Expenses 161,121 166,703
14,563 13,795
Office Remuneration 11,830 11,899
Printing, Stationery & Advertising 10,254 9,279
Office Equipment Support & Maintenance 7,374 7,577
General Office Expenses 3,286 2,672
Telephone 3,015 4,181
Postage 19,134 20,844
Bank & Credit Card Charges 22,500 22,500
Pensions 2,470 5,362
Professional’s Retainer/Catering 5,372 4,584
Legal & Professional Expenses 7,854 6,091
Accountant’s Fees 918 687
Match & Competition Expenses
SGU Levy Less Contribution from Members 269,691 276,174

6 Exceptional Item

During the year the club received a net VAT refund of £463,772 in respect of VAT previously
paid in visitor fees plus interest theron of £104,323.

7 Taxation

UK Corporation Tax 365 329
Overprovision in previous year (2,000) 2,000

(1,635) 2,329

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Continued)
For the Year Ended 30 September 2016

8 Fixed Assets

Course Clubhouse Clubhouse Course Total
£ & Furnishings Plant £
& Equipment
Buildings &
£ £ Machinery

£

Cost or Valuation 341,193 2,805,528 497,470 1,506,962 5,151,153
at 1 October 2015 - 30,925 23,280 113,325 167,530
Additions during year - - - (47,765) (47,765)
Disposals in year - - (2,460) - (2,460)
Assets written off

At 30 September 2016 341,193 2,836,453 518,290 1,572,522 5,268,458

Depreciation - - 380,036 896,515 1,276,551
at 1 October 2015 -
Provided during year - - 30,862 103,162 134,024
Disposals during year
Assets written off - - (42,077) (42,077)

At 30 September 2016 - - 410,898 957,600 1,368,498

Net Book Amount 341,193 2,836,453 107,392 614,922 3,899,960
At 30 September 2016

At 30 September 2015 341,193 2,805,528 117,434 610,447 3,874,602

The Clubhouse & Buildings were valued at open market value for existing use by Murray Petrie,
Chartered Surveyor, Dundee as at October 2007.

The valuation of £2,800,000 which was £196,192 higher than the former valuation of July 2004 and
subsequent additions at cost, is incorporated in these Accounts.

There was no expenditure authorised or contracted for before the balance sheet date (2015:£27,477).

9 Creditors and Accruals 2016 2015
£ £

Trade Creditors 53,214 49,315
2017 Subscriptions Paid in Advance 32,200 33,207
Balances Remaining on Swipe 26,857 26,666
Taxation Liabilities 19,348
Other Creditors 20,722 7,868
79,584

152,341 196,640

10 Deferred Income

The deferred Income is a grant received from the Sports Council which is being written off over ten
years.

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THE BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Continued)
For the Year Ended 30 September 2016

2016 2015
££
£ £

11 Funds & Reserves

Clubhouse Revaluation Reserve

Opening Balance 440,047 440,047

General Fund 3,625,860
4,065,907
Opening Balance 3,025,694 2,900,673
Add: 600,166 600,166 125,021

Transfer from Income & 134,799
Expenditure Account 734,965

(20,509) 3,025,694
(160,157) 3,465,741

12 Cashflow Statement 134,024 554,299 128,645 125,021
775 844 129,489
Surplus for the year (61,697) 254,510
545,222 5,291
Non Cash Items: 20,607 6,071
Depreciation Charges 70,774 (19,727) (151,468)
Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets 554,299
- 109,113
Cash Generated from Operating (1,055) (100)
Activities (7,092)
(44,299) (160,058)
(Increase)/Decrease in Stocks 8,590
(Increase)/Decrease in Debtors 36,532
(Decrease)/Increase in Creditors
(Decrease)Increase in Deferred (4,595)
Grant
(Decrease) in Advances to Account
of Membership

Capital Expenditure (167,530)
Disposals of Fixed Assets 7,373

Increase in Bank & Cash Balances 40,614

Represented by: 4
68,495
Increase/(Decrease) in Bank
Current Accounts 109,113
Increase/(Decrease) in Bank
Deposit Accounts
Decrease in Bank Term Loans

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REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2016

Accounts
I would take this opportunity to thank the office staff, and those involved in the finance
in particular, for doing a great job over the year. Even when we were short staffed, due to
illness, they coped admirably. Well done.
The results of this year are obviously the best we have ever seen. That is not down to me
or the management. I wish it was! This VAT refund has been worked on for over 7 years
and my thanks go to our VAT Consultant and Managing Secretary for securing this sum
which can be used to reinvest in facilities to maintain and enhance the quality of what we
have already.
However the final surplus of £600,166 masks the underlying trends of golf throughout not
just Scotland but the UK as well. Our membership has fallen very slightly below predicted
levels but our marketing has proved that we can still gain new members and there is still
a waiting list. The flexibility of membership subscriptions and help for younger members
could have a small effect on our income this coming year but in the long term should
prove beneficial. The current membership is investing in the future of the club.
If we remove the VAT refund from the surplus you will see that the surplus would be
£30,436 which is below the original budget we produced over a year ago. It is becoming
increasingly difficult to predict the outcomes of the year so far in advance. However we
produce forecasts on a quarterly basis after the headline dates. E.g. we can see the effect
on the finances after the subs are paid by February and we can see the same after the
winter months and the summer months for visitor income and bar takings. These and the
weather have such an effect on the figures and we are doing everything we can to help
keep these figures up. I hope you agree that when someone walks into the club and meets
those at the forefront of the business they get a great first impression of the quality of the
club. The satisfaction, as shown by the latest national award presented to the club, is high.
The committee is now considering how to best use the VAT repayment to enhance the
facilities of the club and at the same time keeping something back, as prudent people will
do. The outcome of the VAT situation is that we can now only reclaim approx. 14% of the
VAT input tax we pay on chargeable expenses. Any large items of expenditure, such as
machinery, buildings, and ground works, cost us over 17% more as we can only recover
a small part of the VAT. We have to keep that in mind.
There are some extra remedial works needed round the club this year and they have been
budgeted for. The rates situation also raises its head again after receiving discretionary
rates relief until June 2017 but after that who knows? The budget therefore shows a much
smaller surplus than usual. We keep our eye on the covenants given to the bank to ensure
we don’t breach the terms of the loan facilities we have. We must remember we still have
the loans to repay and, as I said last year, cash is still King!! We must not leave ourselves
short.

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Membership

The membership profile is as follows:

Full (inc. Life and Honorary) 1128  

Country       87                        

Lansdowne 69

Lansdowne 5-day 1

Wee 143

Junior 78

Intermediate 28

Non-playing 79

Total 1613

During the past year it is with regret that the club has to announce the death of
14 members; a further 59 resigned from Full membership; 27 transferred from Lansdowne
Associates. Movement from Full to Wee Course and Non-Playing account for the
discrepancy in numbers. Some 51 new Lansdowne Associate Members joined throughout
the year. 22 Juniors resigned this year and 3 new Juniors joined the club.

Greens

Rain seemed continuous between October and the advent of 2016 with December proving
to be the wettest ever on record, culminating in widespread floods to herald in 2016. The
wet continued into mid-February before sunshine and more seasonal dry weather arrived
up to the start of the season. Despite the seemingly endless rainfall, the courses stood up
to the challenge and remained open and playable for those who dared the wet underfoot
conditions. Flooding across the 11th on Lansdowne remained as a water feature for a
while. The fact that the courses remained open while many countrywide were closed
or being washed away, is testament to our favourable ground conditions and the valiant
efforts of our greenstaff.

Despite these adverse conditions works were started on Rosemount in November for the
alteration of the 6th tee, rebuilding and enlargement of the 7th tee and the formation
of the new heathered mounding and bunkers on the 7th. All works were completed
by our greenstaff and on schedule in early 2016. The works were all carried out to a
very professional standard by our greenstaff, as complimented by the appointed course
architect, and have settled in well, enhancing the experience and character of Rosemount
against these former Lansdowne holes.

Reconstruction and refinishing of the 1st medal tee on Lansdowne again has been carried
out to a high standard, increasing the tee size and finished with a wonderful appearance
which can be fully appreciated by looking back from the fairway!

The spring coring of all greens on Rosemount and Lansdowne was followed by a cold
spell for a good part of April, restricting early growth on all courses. This however was
followed by a fairly lengthy warm dry spell which sparked growth and recovery by

19

early May. Consequently the greens matured with a good smooth and often fast surface
which generally remained consistent throughout the season. Unfortunately these early
conditions did not fare well for the replanted trees at the 7th on Rosemount, thinnings
from Lansdowne, which failed to take, despite early heavy watering. These will be
replaced with protected young trees as part of this winter’s programme which will include
a new path from the rear of the new 6th green to lead to the 7th tee.

Throughout the season the courses were in wonderful condition and well presented
attracting much praise from visitors and the membership in general, reflecting the pride
and professionalism of our greenstaff, backed up by our mechanic, Kenny Mackay, who
unfortunately will be leaving us in November to further his career after almost 17 years
with the club. We thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.

Lansdowne was further inspected in July by Peter Alliss, original course designer with
late Dave Thomas, who was extremely complimentary on its presentation, condition and
maturity, and has expounded such over the media!

It is fair to say generally that we enjoyed a great season with mainly good weather
throughout, compared with 2015. With the season coming to a close we move on to
complete the final phases of the redesign works to the 6th & 7th holes on Rosemount. The
existing greens will be removed and rebuilt by professional contractors as shown on the
displayed plans. The works will involve shaping and contouring to give greater challenge
and to give a balance of the greens on the Rosemount course, equally between generally
level and contoured greens. The existing greens turf will be lifted, laid aside and relaid
where, together with refinishing works to the surrounds and bunkers, these works will
be carried out by our own staff, who are all looking forward to the creative experience.
Subject to weather, it is hoped to open the holes at the start of the new season.

Upgrading works were also carried out on the Wee Course for the completion of significant
drainage works at the rear of the second hole, bunker rebuilding on the 7th and creation of
further winter tees. Beyond this the greenstaff on all courses are preparing winter projects
to further improve and enhance our courses.

Presentation this season again on all courses has been of a high standard, the envy of most
courses locally and nationally, with good tees, contoured close cut fairways and good, true
and usually fast greens. Condition and presentation of the courses however is not only
the responsibility of the greenstaff but also us, the players. Please rake bunkers properly,
replace all divots and repair all pitch marks on the greens to help everyone’s enjoyment
of our wonderful courses. We all look forward to the new season, hopefully after a kind
winter.

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House
The clubhouse has required very few changes this year due to the many improvements
made last year. Attention to detail has continued by painting the ground floor ladies
cloakroom, installing a leader board in the lounge to provide up to date information and
placing decal transfers of the Club logo on windows overlooking the area next to the beer
cellar and Wee Lounge.

On the north side of the clubhouse a white fence now replaces the beech hedge with
orange chips at the base of the walls giving a clean, fresh appearance in keeping with the
rest of the building and the picket fence around the practice putting area.

Thanks must go to Paul and Jayne for providing excellent and delicious food, to the bar
staff and waitresses who serve us with food and drink and to the cleaning and maintenance
staff who have a hard task keeping the clubhouse and surrounding area looking clean and
tidy. Not to forget the spectacular floral displays grown and maintained by Dougie Watts.

I have been helped and supported this year by fellow member Liz Ridsdale, Assistant
secretary Joan Ireland, Clubhouse Manager Angie Zhelyazkov, Caterer Jayne Bjormark
and Managing Secretary Douglas Cleeton and I am very grateful to them all.

Social
Social events continue to be planned in direct relation to feedback received from members
via requests and previous questionnaires.

Starting with the inaugural Season Opening Dinner which sold out quickly with members
being entertained by guest Willie Hunter, the social events for the remainder of the year
followed in a similar and very positive manner.

Notably this year, the club were very fortunate to host Peter Alliss and his wife Jackie,
where amongst many other favourable comments, Peter commented whilst spectating
on the Ladies British Open, that Blairgowrie Golf Club ‘simply oozes charm and class’.
A dinner at the club with Peter speaking sold out and over £1300 was raised for Peters’
charities.

The Captains Day BBQ was well attended, but with many attendees participating in the
Club Championship finals the next day, it was quite an early finish. This ‘weekend of
events’ was introduced in 2012, but is currently being reviewed for 2017. Although not
a social event, the day for the Championship finals has now been changed to a Saturday
instead of a Sunday to allow the participants to fully relax after the stress of their matches.
Perhaps a social event will follow?

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The inaugural Annual Prizegiving & End of Season dinner sold out, with guest speaker
Bill Copeland providing tremendous entertainment to the mixed audience. The demand
for places at the Kids Xmas party, once again was evidence that giving people what they
want works. ‘The Breeze’ are to provide the entertainment at the Hogmanay Party for the
3rd year running following their popularity in 2014 & 15, and plans are well underway
for Social events for 2017.

Every year we ask members to let us know what would encourage them to come to social
events at the club. We cannot control legislation, but we can ensure that we supply a
demand.

Finally, if you would like to hold a private function at the club, please just contact the
Club Office who will assist you with all you need.

Match and Competitions
Our calendar of fixtures for the season have been played with almost no cancellations and
on excellent golf courses yet again. My thanks and gratitude to all of our greenkeeping
staff.

Congratulations to those who have prevailed in our club competitions during 2016. I
would like to give my personal thanks to the admin staff, pro shop staff and our volunteer
helpers who have contributed to the smooth running of all events throughout the season.
We have had a lot of very positive feedback from members and visitors on this subject and
this reflects very well on our club.

In 2017, there will be significant changes to some fixtures, most notably the Club
Championship. Qualifying rounds will be scheduled as normal, but only those players who
are committed to the match play stages, can participate in the qualifying rounds. Those
who do not want to, or cannot play, will have the opportunity to play in an alternative
competition on the other course. The finals have been moved to a Saturday in order that
those reaching the finals can celebrate or commiserate without the burden of work the
next day. A Bogey competition has been introduced, and some additional, or extra medals
that have commonly featured, will be replaced by alternative competitions such as Texas
Scrambles or Greensomes. As with any changes, this will be reviewed at the end of the
season.

Lastly, my thanks to our representative teams for their efforts this season, most notably
our Coronation Trophy and Scratch League teams, who have again won the P&KCGU
double. Indeed, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our teams and their
Captains for giving up their time for the club. Well done.

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Juniors
During the winter months again Sam McLaren held golf fit sessions in the clubhouse
where the juniors took part in various strength and conditioning exercises aimed at
helping their golf. 

The opening day was well attended. After a welcome from the Captain, Robin Duncan
nine holes were played with a buffet afterwards. 

The Junior Club Championship this year was won by Declan Gray beating Fraser
Matthews in the final. 

Gregor Graham has had excellent season which started by winning the Perth and Kinross
u14 championship then he qualified for the John Watson trophy in which he made it all
the way to the final, unfortunately losing 3&2.

A number of the juniors have represented Perth and Kinross county golf at under 14/16/18
age groups. 

Gregor Graham, Cormac Sharpe and Katy Alexander have been selected for the Scottish
Golf Academy. 

We again entered 3 teams in the scratch league; some good results but none of the teams
progressed to the semi-finals. 

In the Bell trophy 2 teams were entered again with the black team losing in the semi-final
and orange team winning the event. 

Friendly matches against Royal Troon and Moray were played. 

We also took ten of the juniors to London to play our annual match against Royal Mid
Surrey. The Juniors also played matches at Burhill, Cuddington, the West Hill junior open
and a round at Royal Blackheath. 

Finally, can I thank all the juniors for the way they conducted themselves on and off
the course when representing Blairgowrie Golf Club, at home and away. Also the junior
committee for their support and help this season. 

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Ladies
Our year got under way with the winter activities and despite rain and sleet at times
these were completed. The Tuesday Bridge and Christmas Lunch were well attended and
enjoyed by all. Burns Night was a great success and soon we had our Ladies Get Together
evening with Charles Dernie on hand to entertain the Ladies.

We began the season with the Lady Captain v Vice Captain’s Match and we were delighted
when Club Captain Robin Duncan came along to raise the flag. Rain did not deny our
enjoyment and the match ended in a very friendly draw. The Columbine Cup again was
most enjoyable against the Senior Men which the gents won on this occasion.

All of our ladies events this season were well attended including the Ladies Invitation
Day, Lady Captain’s Day, Ladies Tri-am and Ladies Senior Invitation Day. Thanks to
all members and guests. My thanks to all lady members who participated in medals and
competitions although numbers entering medals on Fridays have continued to fall as have
the numbers for Turn up and Play Days.

My congratulations to all those who were successful whether at home or away. Special
mention to Jacqueline Cameron (nee Sneddon) who had a new course record on
Rosemount with a score of 67 and to Morna Steven and Meriel Walker on achieving their
first holes in one.

It was a great honour to be invited along with Club Captain Robin Duncan to represent
our Club at the 125 Anniversary Celebrations of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. Whilst
there we met many like-minded golfers from many U.K. Clubs and beyond. A wonderful
experience.

Thank you to Margaret Kerr Competition Secretary, Fiona Johnston Match Secretary
Heather Anderson and Gillian Wallace Scratch League and Shirley Irvine Wee Course
Ladies for all the time and effort required to fulfil their duties. The Ladies Committee have
been extremely supportive as have all staff in all departments. Thank you for making my
year so enjoyable.

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Seniors
We have had another most enjoyable and fairly successful season and the results were as
follows.
Games played - 27 - won 12- lost 13 - drawn 2
The results of matches that are played on a Home and Away basis were:
Won 4 - Lost 4, and 1 drawn and with 5 trophies to show for our efforts it has been an
encouraging season.
The Annual Dinner was held in October and was again well attended by 67 members. We
were very fortunate to have an excellent speaker in Sir Craig Reedie, a Vice President of
the IOC and President of WADA – the World Anti-Doping Agency and this together with
a first class meal ensured everyone had a most enjoyable and memorable evening.
We are greatly indebted to Jayne, Paul and the catering staff, and they have provided
first class meals all season which are very much appreciated by our members and all
the visiting teams. My thanks to David Paterson our Treasurer and Graeme Hunter who
maintains our excellent Seniors Blog.
We look forward to Season 2017 when we have 5 new members replacing 5 who have
retired from the group.
Visitors
Overall visitors decreased from 13370 in 2015 to 12013 in 2016. This was made up of
6018 visitors and 5995 members’ guests. Visitor/member guest income decreased from
£398815 to £355774.
Visitor income between May & September contributes the majority of the sum total. As
previously advised by newsletter, green fee derives from several sources;

1. Tour Operators (Inc. Hotels & independent tour operators)
2. James Braid Association
3. Full paying visitors
4. Scottish Golf Card
5. Reciprocal partnerships
6. Members guests
Members benefit from courtesy golf at Crail & Lossiemouth and with both clubs we have
more members going there than those clubs have coming here.
Visitor income between October and April is made up from reduced rates in October &
April and winter rates between November and March.
The sum total remains in contrast to visitor income in general across most clubs in Scotland
and shows the consistent popularity and high regard that this club, and courses, are held.

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Marketing & Strategy
The general national and international background to the development of golf remains
very much the same as last year. Numbers of golfers playing via membership of clubs
continue to decline and that decline is particularly noticeable among juniors and ladies.
The Committee recognise that Blairgowrie Golf Club is not immune from these factors
and our efforts continue to be driven by the need for the club to be run very efficiently
whilst retaining existing members and attracting new members.
Our vehicles have been a questionnaire and a forum to assist communication with the
membership. Both are very informative and exceedingly helpful as a result. Considerable
effort is made by the Managing Secretary and the staff to identify opportunities in the
market that reflect our standing both locally and nationally. In spite of this, visitor numbers
and guests introduced by members have fallen.
The motions put before the SGM in September have been specifically designed to
underpin our membership numbers. It is our wish to continue to be proactive in marketing
the high quality facilities that exist at Blairgowrie in order to sustain and promote the club
to members and to visitors alike.

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GENTLEMEN’S SECTION - PRIZE WINNERS 2016

COMPETITION WINNER R/U

1 Club Championship GS Campbell

1a Club Plate S McIntosh

2 John Watson Trophy D Watson G Graham

3 Senior’s Scratch Championship WN Crole D Homer

3a Seniors Handicap Championship M Rollo D Kerr

4 The Blairgowrie Strokeplay Club Championship Scratch GS Campbell D Murray

5 The Blairgowrie Strokeplay Club Championship -Handicap BGB McLaren I Waddell

6 The Keathbank Vase C MacKenzie M Rollo

7 The Druidsmere Cup R Martin N Wilkie

8 The Ladies Cup P Gardiner D Wilson

9 The Club Trophy D Watson & D Watson J Morrison & A Stallard

10 The Jimmy Douglas Trophy D Kerr & IG Ross M Beale & D Dunlop

11 SPRING MEETING - Delvine Silver Medal W Hadden

12 SPRING MEETING - The Lansdowne Cup R Young

13 AUTUMN MEETING - Davidson Sharpe Medal R Lamond

14 AUTUMN MEETING - Delvine Silver Cross R Lamond

15 R C Hoggan Memorial Summer Medal Div 1 C Hay

Div 2 IG Ross

16 Henry Anderson Medal I Waddell

17 Perth & Kinross Centenary Trophy L Ross & P Gardiner A Carmichael & W Barbour

18 The Seniors Cup J Harley AH Anderson

19 Stewart Hay Salver J Hynd S Murray

20 Stewart Hay Charity Quaich P Kaye & R Gordon J Baxter & C Mackintosh

21 The Piper Cup R McArthur R Nelson

22 Cluny’s Cup S Hay

23 Aldo Campbell Trophy M McGinty

24 Bill Cuthbert Tankard I Crighton

25 Jack Rattray Trophy A Donaldson & G Tosh A Cooper & G Stronach

26 The A S Hay Trophy RJ Duncan & G Swan R Medinelli & J Harris

27 The Rosemount Bowl C Hay GS Campbell

28 The Stormont Quaich S McIntosh BGB McLaren

29 AUTUMN 4 BALL

Norman D McKenzie Jnr Quaich D Kerr & IG Ross R Kaye & R Gordon

30 SPRING 4 BALL

David Maxwell Salver M Thomson & J Anderson RJ Duncan & G Swan

31 MEDALS FINAL Rosemount P Inglis

32 MEDALS FINAL Lansdowne D Wilson

33 The Marwat Trophy

Div A R Nelson

Div B D Kerr

34 Past Captain’s Trophy T Watson

35 Sunday Trophy D Cameron

36 Jubilee Vase AF Anderson

37 Norman J Duncan Trophy GS Campbell



Club Championship Referee R Martin/T McLevy

John Watson Trophy Referee S Ferguson

Junior Championship Referee JC Dernie

Senior Championship Referee I Rae

Senior Handicap Referee R Ridsdale

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MIXED COMPETITION PRIZE WINNERS 2016

COMPETITION WINNER RUNNER UP

1 Lyle Coronation Quaich  L Fertacz & R Dow S Waddell & I Waddell

2 Lyle Trophy S Waddell & I Waddell C Cleeton & P Anderson

3 Mark Patterson Trophy M Miller & M Miller M Kerr & D Kerr

4 Karrinyup Trophy L Fertacz & R Dow M Paterson & P Hamilton

5 Flora Scott Mr and Mrs Trophy M Begbie & D Begbie M Kerr & D Kerr

6 The Bob Malcolm Trophy JF Brien & B Cotton  

7 The Stormont Vase M Kerr & D Kerr J Geddes & C Allison

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LADIES’ SECTION - PRIZE WINNERS 2016

COMPETITION WINNER RUNNER UP

1 Club Champion J Milne F Johnston

2 Bronze Champion K Cameron J Livingston

3 Sophie’s Trophy J Cameron B Godley

4 Strokeplay Champion-Gross J Milne

5 Strokeplay Champion – Nett B Godley

6 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Plate J Cameron

7 Gellatly Rosebowl F Doig & R Watson H Anderson & G Wallace

8 Jessie Valentine Trophy L Findlay J Hamilton

9 Coronation Trophy J Milne L Findlay

10 Sheila McKenzie Trophy M Steven & K Cameron A Smith & J Wink

11 The Margaret Salver J Livingston J Lang

12 Centenary Trophy L Fertacz

13 Stanley Clark Trophy B Godley K Chapman

14 Gold Medal J Milne

15 Silver Medal C Cleeton

16 Spring Meeting:

McQueen Salver H Anderson

Honeyman Cigarette Box D Johnston

Silver Scratch - goblet only H Anderson

Bronze Scratch – goblet only M Walker

17 Autumn Meeting:

Gray Salver H Anderson

Mackie Salver J Wink

Silver Scratch H Anderson

Bronze Scratch J Wink

18 Spring & Autumn Aggregates:

Honeyman Salver H Anderson

Glass Quaich J Wink

19 Medal Winners Trophy J Milne M Hope

20 Millennium Trophy J Cameron

21 Hilda Hendry Memorial Trophy M Kerr M Rae

22 Pat Robins Trophy M Miller

23 Muriel Rae Trophy (Past Captains) S Bushby

24 Thistle Bowl (Summer Meeting) J Cameron

25 Summer Eclectic Trophy J Milne

26 Hoad Super Senior Putter A Priestley

27 Allison Trophy A Kean

28 Coronation Foursomes B Godley & M Miller

Championship Referees:

Club Championship J Lang

Bronze Championship H Dawson

Sophie’s Trophy M Kerr

-

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JUNIOR’S SECTION – PRIZE WINNERS 2016

COMPETITION WINNER(S) RUNNER UP(S)

1a The Junior Club Champion D Gray F Matthews

2a The Golfer of the Year G Graham  

3a Isobel Murray Quaich

JNR Girl Golfer of the Year K Alexander  

4a Wee Course Club Champion

(from agg of Junior Wee Course Champs) Not Played  

5a Junior Medals Order of Merit F Matthews D Gray

6a Girls Medal - Best Scratch Score

in designated(TBA)Jnr Medal K Alexander  

1 The Chalmers Medal for Boys

Best Nett C Dow - 71 C Smith - 73

2 The Captain’s Rosebowl - Lansdowne F Matthews C Gibson

3 Foursome Trophy - Lansdowne D Gray & R Ottley F Matthews & C Dow

4 Eclectic

Lansdowne & Rosemount Net combined C Smith F Matthews

5 Eclectic (Wee Course) Nett R Matthews A Wilkie

6 The J.G. Dorward Quaich K Alexander - 85 C Dow - 82

7 The Acheronian Putter D Gray -142 C Gibson- 153

8 The Tennant Salver D Gray-135 F Matthews-146

9 P.S. Robertson Salver – Girls

Best Net in designated(TBA)Junior Medal K Alexander  

10 David W Baxter Trophy Juniors v Adult

members(Spring Match) (scratch) Not Played  

11 ‘A’ League - Lansdowne F Matthews C Graham

12 ‘B’ League - Wee B Fischer R Matthews

13 Vice-Captain’s Trophy B Fischer R Matthews

14 The Collins Crystal Trophy (handicap)

Members V Juniors Autumn match Not Played  

15 DA Tankard - Rosemount C Dow & F Matthews K & R Alexander

16 Bradley Neil Trophy for the

Most Improved Golfer of the Year C Dow  

17 The Allan Dargie Trophy Best Scratch Brad Bannerman Iain McLaren

18 The Alistair Gibb 36 hole Oct Trophy

(Best Nett over 2 rounds) K Alexander D Gray

19 The Alistair Gibb Wee Course

18 hole Oct Trophy  (Best Nett) Not Played





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