Golf Tourism Scotland

Fife - Golf Destination of the Year, Europe 2012

2011-11-24T13:31:00.001Z

Fife Recognised Internationally as the Golf Destination of Choice

Fife has been named as the “Golf Destination of the Year – Europe, 2012” at The International Association of Golf Tour Operators Awards in Turkey last night (17th November). The Awards recognise exceptional contributions to the world of golf travel.

Stephen Owen, General Manager of Rufflets, St Andrews and member of the Fife Tourism Partnership was in Turkey with six Fife golf businesses to receive the Award. He said, ”This is a prestigious award for Fife – not only because it places Fife firmly on the international “green” as a fantastic place to visit and play golf, but also because it brings such important economic benefits to the area, too. It is an honour to accept the award on behalf of everyone in Fife involved with golf tourism and I am delighted to do so in the company of such excellent ambassador businesses from Fife, the home of Golf.”

Representatives from Fairmont St Andrews, Kingsbarns, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews Links, The Old Course Hotel and Stay in St Andrews have been exhibiting at The International Golf Travel Market in Antalya, Turkey this week. They were promoting Fife to hundreds of buyers and journalists from 65 countries, including Argentina, Norway, South Africa and China.

A second award also comes home to Fife as Fairmont St Andrews won Golf Resort of the Year – Europe, 2012.

Accolades poured in for both awards including from a delighted John Parker, chair of the Fife Tourism Partnership, “Congratulations to everyone involved and to the Fairmont for winning both these coveted titles. The reputation and economic value of internationally judged awards like these is immense and makes a huge contribution to tourism in Fife.”

Keith Winter, Head of Enterprise, Planning and Protective Services at Fife Council and interim Chair of the emerging Fife Golf Partnership, also congratulated the winners and said, “These awards provide a great launch platform for the new Fife Golf Partnership which will have its official launch next week. It is a network of Fife golf courses and clubs, accommodation providers, golf travel trade and industry trade associations working together to develop and improve the market position of Fife as a must-visit golf destination. We want to capitalise on Fife’s world class reputation and facilities and news of these awards is the perfect start.”

Fairmont St Andrews European Golf Resort of the Year

2011-11-24T13:25:00.001Z

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort has cemented its position as a leading golf destination by being voted the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ (IAGTO) European Golf Resort of the Year 2012.

The award is one of the most prestigious available to golf resorts, having recognised the quality of its facilities and service and been voted for by IAGTO’s 400 plus specialist golf tour operators in 58 different countries.

It is the latest in a long line of accolades for the luxurious Scottish resort and comes hot on the heels of Fairmont St Andrews being named Golf Tourism Scotland’s Resort Hotel of the Year for the third time in four years.

And it was a double celebration for the region, as Fife won the European Golf Destination of the Year category.

Fairmont St Andrews’ general manager, Garrett Turta, who accepted the award on behalf of the resort, said: “We’re very proud of all the accolades Fairmont St Andrews has amassed, but this really is one of the resort’s biggest achievements.

“To have been voted the best in Europe by industry experts is quite a coup and a testament to the investment the owners have put in and the hard work and high standards of all our staff.”

Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance designed one of Fairmont St Andrews’ championship courses and had recorded a special video message at the resort which was played at the awards ceremony.

He said: “Congratulations to the Fairmont St Andrews for winning European Golf Resort of the Year. The facilities here are superb; I love coming to stay at the resort for golf, leisure, fun, a wee dram, anything you like, it’s all available here. I’ve been involved with the Fairmont St Andrews for 10 years, and I’m delighted with the way the resort and courses have matured.”

In recent years Fairmont St Andrews has benefited from a £17m investment which included extensive improvements throughout both The Torrance and The Kittocks courses, refurbishment of the entire hotel and an extension to the leisure facilities to create a luxurious spa and fitness complex.

Since then the resort has hosted numerous prestigious events including final qualifying for the 2010 Open Championship, as well as being the venue for the last three Scottish Senior Opens.

During its 10-year history Fairmont St Andrews has accumulated a host of accolades for hospitality, golf, spa and cuisine, as well as welcoming some of the world’s most powerful individuals as the venue for a G20 summit and Northern Ireland peace talks, while Prince William was a regular visitor and member of the spa and gym while studying at university.

For more information or to book a stay, call 01334 837000, email standrews.scotland@fairmont.com or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews.

GTS Annual Awards List 2011

2011-11-04T11:59:00.000Z

The Scottish golf industry’s top honours have been announced at a glittering awards ceremony held in St Andrews. The annual Golf Tourism Scotland’s Gold Standard Awards is the sector’s blue-ribbon event where the very best of Scottish golf tourism is celebrated.

Hosted by Fairmont St Andrews, this year’s gala evening saw the presentation of 11 awards including the Special Achievement Award which was received by the former secretary of Prestwick Golf Club Ian Bunch. This year’s Young Industry Person of the Year was presented jointly to Simon Redmond from Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews and Valerie Houston formerly of the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch.

The prestigious Golf Course of the Year award went to Kingsbarns Golf Links which beat off competition from the likes of Castle Stuart and North Berwick. In the accommodation provider category, this year’s hosts Fairmont St Andrews were named the country’s top resort, while Macdonald Rusacks Hotel was awarded the Large Hotel accolade.

Crail Golfing Society received the Golf Secretariat award and St Andrews Executive Travel was named Transport Operator of the Year. Elsewhere, Old Loans Inn at Troon received the Small Hotel/Guesthouse award while Meldrum House in Aberdeenshire was named Scotland’s best country hotel.

“This year’s awards reflect a busy year of events that have showcased the breadth and depth of Scotland ’s golfing sector,” noted GTS chairman Lee Derrick. “Many of the world’s leading amateur and professional players battled it out over courses across Scotland providing great opportunities to show the world what we do best. The industry as a whole benefits from these occasions, so with more high profile events scheduled for next year, including the Seniors Open at Turnberry, The Scottish Open returning to Castle Stuart and The Curtis Cup at The Nairn Golf Club these are undoubtedly exciting times for golf in Scotland .”

Other winners of the GTS Gold Standard Awards included Martin Roy of Carnoustie Golf Links who clinched the Caddiemaster of the Year accolade and Golf Scotland which picked up the Golf Tour Operator of the Year award.

The full list of winners is as follows:

GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any golf course in Scotland that offers tee-times to visitors. And the winner is:

Kingsbarns Golf Links

GOLF SECRETARIAT OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any golf club/course whose administration provides a service to visitors and/or the travel trade. And the winner is:

Crail Golfing Society

CADDIEMASTER OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any caddiemaster providing a service to visitors and/or the travel trade. And the winner is:

Martin Roy, Carnoustie Golf Links

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Small hotel/guest house category). Nominations for this category were open to accommodation providers with 20 or fewer bedrooms that provide services to golf visitors. And the winner is:

Old Loans Inn, Troon

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Country house hotel category). Nominations for this category were open to hotels and exclusive-use properties operating in rural areas that provide services to golf visitors. And the winner is:

Meldrum House County Hotel, Aberdeenshire

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Large hotel category). Nominations for this category were open to hotels with more than 20 bedrooms which provide services to golf visitors. And the winner is:

Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Resort hotel category). Nominations for this category were open to resort hotels with golf course(s) attached. And the winner is:

Fairmont St Andrews

GOLF TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any tour operator bringing golfers to Scotland . And the winner is:

Golf Scotland

TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any business providing transport services in Scotland including rail, road, air and sea. And the winner is:

St Andrews Executive Travel

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. And the winner is:

Ian Bunch

YOUNG INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR. And the winner is:

Simon Redmond, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel and Valerie Houston, formerly of the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch

Winning Through Innovation Workshop

2011-10-28T15:08:00.000+01:00

We've been forwarded the information below on a key Scottish Enterprise event which we hope will be of interest to you and some of your industry contacts.

Winning Through Innovation - ‘Digital Marketing for Scottish Tourism - Learning How to Shine Online'

Wednesday, 16th November 2011, Perth Concert Hall, Perth, 9.30am-2.30pm

Cost: £40 (plus VAT)

The theme of the event is digital (or online) marketing - a theme which is attracting a great deal of interest and is becoming a key focus of marketing by tourism businesses. The aim of the event is to help companies learn from leading experts on how to ensure they are 'found' by potential tourists in all the right places online by making best use of recent and emerging developments in online marketing and social media tools, techniques and behaviours.

Hosted by Kaye Adams, the keynote presentation will be by author and tourism marketing consultant Daniel Edward Craig. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Daniel is a former hotel general manager whose areas of expertise include website content, social media best practice and online reputation management. As well as being a frequent speaker at industry events and authoring numerous articles on the topic, Daniel also writes a blog that attracts a worldwide following. We are also delighted to confirm that Karen Plumb, Commercial Director of TripAdvisor (EMEA) will also be speaking.
In addition to hearing the latest hints and tips from the speakers, delegates will also be able to participate in individual speaker workshops and have the opportunity to discuss their specific digital marketing or social media concerns with Scottish Enterprise ICT advisers.

Places are likely to be filled quickly so please reserve your space early by booking online at www.scottish-enterprise.com/shineonline.

Nominees unveiled for golf industry oscars

2011-10-24T12:35:00.000+01:00

Nominees for this year’s golf industry awards have been announced by Golf Tourism Scotland , the industry’s national trade body. The annual GTS Gold Standard Awards celebrate the very best in Scottish golf tourism by recognising leading transport and golf tour operators, golf secretariats, caddiemasters and accommodation providers, as well as naming the year’s top golf course.

With 11 awards up for grabs, the GTS Gold Standard Awards gala dinner has become one of the golf industry’s most eagerly awaited annual events. The recipients of the Special Achievement Award and the acclaimed Young Industry Person Award will also be named.

Spela Golf at the 2009 Awards

“There is always a great deal of anticipation in the run-up to the Gold Standards Awards,” commented Lee Derrick, chairman of GTS. “We receive nominations from every sector of Scotland ’s golf tourism industry, which demonstrates some of the fantastic work done this year across the country. By the time the winners are announced at the dinner, the sense of expectation in the room is palpable, and that makes for a wonderful night. I think this year’s awards will be one to relish because of the range of entrants that have been nominated for the awards.”

With three categories sporting over 10 hopefuls and a total of 82 nominees vying for the 11 coveted awards, the GTS Gold Standards Awards evening will be once again hotly contested by the leading golf tourism businesses. As before, GTS members have been able to nominate the contenders and are able to cast their votes online. As a result, the GTS Gold Standard Awards are the only Scottish golf industry honours to be nominated by, and voted for by the industry itself.

And the nominees are…

GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any golf course in Scotland that offers tee-times to visitors. And the nominees are:

Balcomie Links (Crail), Carnoustie Championship,
Castle Stuart Golf Links, Gullane No 2, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Machrihanish Dunes, New Course (St Andrews), North Berwick West Links, Pitlochry, Old Course (St Andrews), Torrance Course (Fairmont St Andrews), Turnberry Ailsa and Western Gailes.

GOLF SECRETARIAT OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any golf club/course whose administration provides a service to visitors and/or the travel trade. And the nominees are:

Brora Golf Club, Carnoustie Golf Links, Crail Golfing Society, Gullane Golf Club, Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Muirfield), Kingsbarns Golf Links, North Berwick Golf Club, Prestwick Golf Club, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and St Andrews Links Trust.

CADDIEMASTER OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any caddiemaster providing a service to visitors and/or the travel trade. And the nominees are:

Sam Fox (North Berwick Golf Club), Malcolm Gibson (North Berwick Golf Club), Davie Gilchrist (Kingsbarns Golf Links), Kenny McLeod (Fairmont St Andrews), Doreen Mayes (Crail Golfing Society), Martin Roy (Carnoustie Golf Links) and Robert Thorpe (St Andrews Links Trust).

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Small hotel/guest house category). Nominations for this category were open to accommodation providers with 20 or fewer bedrooms that provide services to golf visitors. And the nominees are:

Aslar Guest House (St Andrews), Dunvegan Hotel (St Andrews), Glenderran Guest House (St Andrews), Glenmorangie House (Tain), Greyfriars Hotel (St Andrews), Hazelbank Hotel (St Andrews), Highgrove House (Troon), North Berwick Golf Lodge, No 12 Quality Street (North Berwick), Rocpool Reserve (Inverness), Old Loans Inn (Troon), Sandown Guest House (Nairn) and Ugadale Cottages (Machrihanish).

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Country house hotel category). Nominations for this category were open to hotels and exclusive-use properties operating in rural areas that provide services to golf visitors. And the nominees are:

Culloden House Hotel (Inverness), Fenton Tower (East Lothian), Greywalls Hotel (Gullane), Inn at Lathones (St Andrews), Lochgreen House (Troon), Meldrum House Hotel (Oldmeldrum), Rufflets Country House Hotel (St Andrews) and Udny Arms Hotel (Newburgh).

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Large hotel category). Nominations for this category were open to hotels with more than 20 bedrooms which provide services to golf visitors. And the nominees are:

Kingsmill Hotel (Inverness), Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa (North Berwick), Macdonald Rusacks Hotel (St Andrews), Marcliffe Hotel & Spa (Aberdeen), Royal Golf Hotel (Dornoch) and St Andrews Golf Hotel.

HOTEL OF THE YEAR (Resort hotel category). Nominations for this category were open to resort hotels with golf course(s) attached. And the nominees are:

Fairmont St Andrews, Gleneagles Hotel, Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa (St Andrews) and Turnberry Resort.

GOLF TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any tour operator bringing golfers to Scotland . And the nominees are:

Adventures In Golf, Executive Golf & Leisure, Haversham & Baker, Hidden Links, Golf Scotland , Golfers Scotland , Grasshopper Golf, Links Golf St Andrews, Morton Golf Holidays, PerryGolf, Pioneer Golf, Spela-Golf.com and Travelling the Fairways.

TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR. Nominations for this category were open to any business providing transport services in Scotland including rail, road, air and sea. And the nominees are:

Charlton Chauffeur Drive, Executive Travel Company, George Malcolm, McLaren Travel, Mac-Mur Tours,
St Andrews Executive Travel, West Coast Motors (Kintyre Express) and Woods Coaches

Scottish golf strengthens Global presence

2011-09-30T12:59:00.003+01:00

In a move designed to bolster international awareness of golf in Scotland, two trade organisations for the golf tourism industry have agreed to a new, collaborative working relationship. The pioneering partnership between Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) and the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) will assist the Home of Golf in adopting a more pro-active approach to promotion worldwide.

Commenting on the announcement, Lee Derrick, chairman of GTS, said the agreement was the beginning of a new era. “In an increasing competitive market with many fantastic golf courses and resorts to choose from, Scotland more than ever needs to ensure it is seen around the world as a desirable destination where golfers of all levels can play exceptional golf and enjoy a warm welcome. This announcement with IAGTO confirms our new attitude to promoting Scottish golf tourism around the world.”

The new relationship between GTS and IAGTO will create various initiatives, collaborations and opportunities to help drive golf tourism to Scotland and achieve sustainable growth across the country’s many regional golf destinations.

“The golf product in Scotland is exceptional but with greater choice from an ever-growing pool of golf destinations, Scotland must develop even stronger relationships with international golf tour operators and opinion formers if it is to generate sustainable growth in golf tourism,” said Peter Walton, president and CEO of IAGTO. “Our relationship with GTS will ensure that Scotland’s key messages are delivered with even greater clarity to both established and emerging markets, and will help all of Scotland’s many golf destinations adapt effectively to the evolving demands of the golf traveller.”

IAGTO has a number of overseas representatives covering new and time-honoured markets such as USA, Ireland, France, Spain, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and South Africa. The association is therefore well placed to support GTS particularly with familiarisation and press trips. A more immediate upshot of the new partnership is an introductory offer for GTS members to join IAGTO at a discounted rate of up to 72%.

2012 - THE YEAR FOR MACHRIHANISH DUNES!

2011-09-30T11:43:00.002+01:00

Two New Luxury Hotels, An Enhanced Top-100 Course – And a Pre-Booking Offer Too Good to Miss

Greetings to all our Tour Operator Friends!

Argyll, Scotland - In our 2012 Tour Operator Guide (click here to download PDF), you'll find lots of exciting news about The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, along with everything you will need to book your clients in with us for an unforgettable experience in 2012 at the quintessential Scottish links golf resort. Here are some of the highlights of what you’ll find in our 2012 Tour Operator Guide:

TWO NEW LUXURY HOTELS!
In early 2012, we’ll add two newly-restored historic hotels to our accommodation offerings with the 23-room Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish overlooking the first tee at neighboring Machrihanish Golf Club and the 22-room Royal Hotel on Campbeltown Harbour in Campbeltown. Along with our award-winning Ugadale Cottages, they’ll provide lodging that’s second to none for luxury and convenience.
The 2012 Tour Operator Guide has everything you need to know about our new hotels and dining options. Meanwhile, the slide show below will give you a sneak peek at what these grand hotels once looked like, look like today during restoration and what they will look like upon completion.

SPECIAL PRE-BOOKING OFFER

Pre-book 2012 groups before October 15, 2011 and your clients will receive four nights for the price of three, plus two rounds of golf for the price of one (a round on Machrihanish Dunes and the other at famed Machrihanish Golf Club next door).

2012 RATES

In the attached 2012 Tour Operator Guide, you’ll also find all of our rates for guest rooms, golf cottages and golf for 2012. Don’t forget that we offer a 30% commission on rooms and green fees to all our tour operator partners.

COURSE UPDATE

The Machrihanish Dunes golf course, a Top-100 U.K. course which was labeled “the world’s next great golf experience” and a "future classic" is constantly being enhanced. Over the past 6 months, we’ve moved and softened some greens, eliminated acres of primary rough, and shortened walking paths between holes considerably. The course is more playable than ever – and as dramatic and thrilling as any course on Earth.

YOUR NEW MACH DUNES CONTACT PEOPLE

Please welcome Janette Jansson, the new General Manager at Machrihanish Dunes, and Stacy Keys, who will be your on-property Tour Operator liaison. Stacy will answer any questions you have and work with you to ensure that every visit by your clients is a thoroughly enjoyable one. Stacy can be reached via email at stacy@machdunes.com or by phone at +44 (0)1586 810013.

READ ON!
Please download the 2012 Tour Operator Guide for much more – including photos, renderings, room descriptions and other info on our new hotels like a look at our new restaurants and pubs, sample itineraries and lots of other information you’ll want to keep handy. Make sure to save it for future reference!

Thank you for your interest in The Village at Machrihanish Dunes. We look forward to welcoming you - and your clients - soon!

New Contact Details for GTS

2011-09-27T11:36:00.003+01:00

Scottish Tourism Forum have recently moved from Edinburgh to Stirling so all correspondence for Golf Tourism Scotland should be directed accordingly to the new address below

Elaine Townsend
Admin Office
Golf Tourism Scotland,
Old Town Jail,
St John Street,
Stirling,
FK8 1EA
t: 01786 459224
f: 01786 451037
e: admin@golftourismscotland.com
www.golftourismscotland.com

Company Registered in Scotland No. SC285639

Old Course Bookings Boost Scottish golf tourism

2011-09-09T14:44:00.000+01:00

Visiting golfers’ desire to play the famous Old Course at St Andrews Links shows no sign of abating as applications for the 2012 season flooded in yesterday (Wed).

More than 1800 applications were received by St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the seven courses at the Home of Golf, after the process opened at 10am - an increase on the previous record of 1500 applications set for 2011.

The Old Course is renowned around the world as the place where golf was first played and has hosted 28 Open Championships, more than any other venue, with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods in its gallery of champions.

The Old Course along with The Castle, New and Jubilee courses has been ranked in the prestigious Golf Digest Top 100 Courses ranking. Each year tens of thousands of golfers travel from around the world to play the famous St Andrews Links courses and experience its rich 600 year heritage.

Golfers are invited to apply online directly to the Trust for Old Course tee times each September for the following year. Although demand exceeds the number of times available, there is a ballot or lottery system in operation, which will run from 48 hours ahead from January 7, 2012, and tee times can be booked on the other Links courses.

Euan Loudon, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said, “We are very encouraged to receive such a high number of tee time applications. Normally in the second year after the Open Championship we would expect to see a fall in applications, but this year has seen record numbers apply. These are still challenging times in terms of the economy so it is important for Scottish golf tourism that we continue to see high numbers of visiting golfers choosing to come here to play. We hope they will enjoy an outstanding experience playing the Old and the other Links courses, learning in the golf academy and relaxing in our clubhouses and shops.”

The tee time applications will be processed in the coming weeks and golfers will be notified directly if their applications have been successful.

St Andrews to Host Golf Industry Oscars

2011-07-24T23:22:00.000+01:00

Golf Tourism Scotland has announced the venue for the 2011 Gold Standard Awards - the industry’s premier event for travel, hospitality and golf service providers. After an exhaustive selection process, Golf Tourism Scotland confirmed the 2011 awards ceremony will take place at the award-winning Fairmont St Andrews resort on 3rd November.

The gala evening, which has become an established date in the golfing calendar, will toast the leading exponents of Scotland’s golf tourism sector. Up for grabs will be accolades for this year’s top golf courses, transport and golf tour operators, golf secretariats and caddiemasters. In addition, Scotland’s best golf hotels will be honoured as will the recipients of the GTS Special Achievement Award and the acclaimed Young Industry Person Award.

As the chairman of GTS noted, a Gold Standard Awards night in St Andrews should be one to savour. “The Gold Standard Awards are a celebration of what Scotland does best,” said Lee Derrick. “They are designed to distinguish companies and individuals that excel and embody the very best in golf tourism. As such, they have become the industry’s awards for excellence with the recipients being recognised as leaders in their field. The decision to host the awards night in St Andrews seems particularly fitting considering the award picked up by the Fairmont St Andrews last year. It will certainly be a spectacular end to the season.”

One of the most hotly contested awards last year was that of the hotel resort category which was collected by Graeme Dawson, leisure sales and marketing manager at the Fairmont St Andrews. “Winning the award was a great honour for the hotel, the staff, the people who work on the golf course and everyone throughout all the departments,” he said. “Hosting the Gold Standard Awards will be an equally proud moment as the GTS awards are what we regard as the Oscars for our industry. It promises to be an enjoyable and memorable evening.”

Nominations for the award categories will be announced shortly.

The Tom Morris Golf Shop Reopens in St Andrews

2011-04-26T08:48:00.000+01:00

The oldest golf shop in the world reopened last Friday22nd of April at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews, Scotland and features a display of some original pieces of furniture which belonged to Tom Morris.

The Tom Morris Golf Shop was opened in St Andrews in 1866 by the four-time Open champion who is widely regarded as the father of the modern game. His ball and clubmaking business was originally founded in 1848.

Tom Morris Ltd was acquired last year by St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the seven public courses at the Home of Golf. The shop was closed over the winter for renovation and reopened yesterday with a completely new look and feel. It will stock apparel and merchandise bearing an updated Tom Morris crest from the 1880s and the sign on the front of the building will once again be styled with the name ‘T. Morris’ as it was in his time.

Several artefacts belonging to Morris himself were discovered during the renovation including his original workbench in the shop window where he made golf clubs and balls, the fireplace where he heated and shaped gutta percha balls and what is believed to be his locker where he stored his clubs.

These items form part of a display area in the shop celebrating the achievements of Morris as a golf champion, a pioneering greenkeeper and course architect, a club and ball maker, a family man and a businessman.

Morris was a hugely influential figure in the development of golf, The Open Championship and the Old Course and St Andrews Links in particular. Morris’ high profile series of money matches against Willie Park in the 1860s to 1880s brought the game, through national newspaper coverage, to a wider audience and helped to establish golf as a popular sport. He was employed by The Royal and Ancient as Keeper of the Green in St Andrews for nearly forty years and made many improvements to the Old Course. These included building the 1st and 18th greens, enlarging many to the famed double greens and clearing gorse which made the current anti-clockwise routing used today possible. He also laid out the New Course which opened in 1895. He was the first to begin applying sand to the Old Course which is now a technique accepted as commonplace among greenkeepers around the world. Morris was also involved in creating the original layouts of some of Britain’s most famous courses including Carnoustie, Prestwick, Muirfield and Royal North Devon (Westward Ho!).

His son Tommy became the youngest Open champion in 1868 at the age of 17, beating his father into second place, the only time this has happened in the 150-year history of the championship and a feat unlikely to be repeated. Tommy won The Open three consecutive times and then again in 1872. He died tragically at the age of 24.

Euan Loudon, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said, “This is another chapter in the long and proud history of the Tom Morris name in St Andrews and his close association with the Old Course and St Andrews Links. When the previous owners approached us regarding the business we felt it was very important that Tom’s rich heritage was preserved and that ownership remained in St Andrews. That has been achieved and I think the new shop will be a fitting celebration of his remarkable career and achievements.”

Peter Crabtree, the co-author with David Malcolm of ‘Tom Morris of St Andrews, The Colossus of Golf, 1821-1908’, published in 2008, said, “There is no doubt that Tom Morris was the central figure in the greatest period of the development of golf in the mid to late 19th Century. His achievements as a golfer and as the man who shaped and transformed the Links of St Andrews were extraordinary. He was a skilled ball and clubmaker and developed a thriving business in his workshop overlooking the 18th green that he created. It is a testimony to the man that his business has survived to this day and will continue to prosper in years to come.”

Sheila Walker, a direct descendant of Tom Morris who still lives above the shop, added, “Our family has always been tremendously proud of Tom’s life and work. He dedicated himself to his family and to golf and his legacy is all around us here in St Andrews and, indeed, wherever golf is played. His workshop and business were extremely important to him and it is exciting to see some of his furniture being preserved and put on display in the shop. This will help to ensure that future generations continue to revere Tom Morris and his contribution to golf.”

A new website has been created about the Tom Morris Golf Shop at www.tommorris.com.

50,000 For Scottish open at Castle Stuart?

2011-04-04T12:44:00.000+01:00

Organisers of a showpiece golf event are confident tens of thousands of fans will head to the Highlands to watch stars such as Padraig Harrington and Phil Mickelson.

They revealed last night that they were on course to sell up to 50,000 tickets for the Barclays Scottish Open, which is being held for the first time at Castle Stuart Golf Links, near Ardersier, in July.

Peter Adams, director of international championships for the European Tour, said he was “really pleased” with ticket sales after making a leap of faith in signing up to stage the event for three years on unknown turf in the north.

If the interest in sales continues, he and his team expect to be welcoming between 40,000 and 50,000 spectators over the course of the four-day tournament, which is being supported by the Press and Journal.

He said: “We are just so pleased with the response – there is such a sense of goodwill. The response has been tremendous and we are delighted and grateful.

“There was certainly an element of risk in bringing the tournament away from Loch Lomond, which has a denser population. The Highlands haven’t seen so many international sporting events and we were kind of watching to see what the response would be.

“I think the response from the community of Inverness and farther afield has lived up to all of our expectations and there is a sense of excitement.

“This is a Scottish event and so the majority of the audience is going to come from Scotland, but we are hoping we will attract spectators from abroad as well.”
Discounted

Discounted early-bird tickets for the tournament, which will run from July 7 to 10, are available until April 10.

Adult open day tickets cost £25, or £15 for the over-60s. Prices will rise to £30 and £20 respectively for tickets purchased on the day. Tickets for the full tournament, including the practice and pro-am day, on July 6, can be purchased now for £55, increasing to £75 at the gate. The same tickets are available for over-60s for £35 or £60 on the gate. Tickets for the practice day only cost £6 now or £10 on the day.

Tourism chiefs are predicting a huge boost for the Highlands as an estimated 6,500 visiting golf fans seek accommodation at local hotels and B&Bs. Mr Adams said: “We are hoping, as the 2011 Masters tournament begins this week, that golf will be on people’s minds and we will get even more interest.

“If people want to come, it is well worth committing now if you can. It would also be a good idea for people to make their arrangements if they require accommodation.”

This year’s tournament has attracted players at the top of their game, including Scotland’s golf champions Martin Laird and Aberdonian Paul Lawrie.

The 2010 US Open champion, Graeme McDowell, and last year’s Scottish Open winner, Edoardo Molinari, are also due to take part.

Organisers have not ruled out the possibility of an appearance from arguably the best-known player in the world, Tiger Woods, who usually plays in Ireland during the week of the Scottish Open, in preparation for the British Open a week later.

Mr Adams said: “We would love it if he did come but we have not heard anything. I am not saying ‘No, he’s not coming’, but Tiger normally plays golf in Ireland during the week before the British Open and he could change his mind.”

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2208930?UserKey=#ixzz1IYOnjUzQ

EXPO 2011 - Free Members' Space

2011-03-24T09:24:00.000Z

GTS has been able to secure FREE stand space for its members at VisitScotland Expo which is being held at the AECC in Aberdeen on the 13th and 14th April. Members will be able to promote their services and/or products, meet buyers and catch up with existing clients at one of Scotland's leading trade shows.

To take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, please email Lee Derrick at by Friday 25th March.

Members will also be able to display brochures on the stand. Those interested in doing so should send no more than 30 brochures to GTS's office at 29 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 7RN by Friday 1st April.

VisitScotland Expo is a great event that attracts decision makers from across the tourism sector. Don't miss this golden opportunity to be a part of it.

Scotland Signs Host Nation Agreement for Ryder Cup

2011-03-18T15:33:00.002Z

An important milestone was marked today in the preparations for The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles when the Host Nation Agreement was signed on the 1st tee at the PGA Centenary Course by Scotland’s Minister for Public Health and Sport, Shona Robison, and Ryder Cup Match Director, Edward Kitson.

The official contract between Scottish Ministers and Ryder Cup Europe outlines the main terms, conditions and commitments agreed between the parties in relation to the staging of the event in three years time.

Robison said, “The Ryder Cup is the biggest team event in international golf, and one of the main highlights of the sporting calendar, so we are greatly honoured to be hosting such a prestigious tournament at Gleneagles and I look forward to seeing the world’s finest golfers doing battle on Scottish soil.

“With around 250,000 expected over the three match days and a global audience of 600 million viewers, this is a tremendous opportunity to show what Scotland has to offer, not to mention the huge economic benefits for Scotland.”

Signing the agreement on behalf of Ryder Cup Europe, Kitson is delighted with the planning and preparations that are well underway at the ‘Home of Golf’. He said, “We are delighted to be working closely with such supportive and committed partners in the Scottish Government, the key National Agencies, led by EventScotland, and Gleneagles Hotel, the host venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup.

“We have been impressed by the diligence of all the parties involved to gather as much information as possible from their attendance at every Ryder Cup since 2004 in order to create an exceptional event at the Home of Golf. Since last year, our plans and preparations for Gleneagles have accelerated and we look forward to cementing an already robust relationship as we head towards 2014.”

Since being awarded the prestigious event back in 2001, EventScotland - who are leading the delivery of the event for the Host Nation - along with other key partners have been observing the last four Ryder Cups to learn from them and maximise the best possible arrangement for Scotland. A ‘transfer of knowledge’ session was held in January of this year with representatives from Wales, Ryder Cup and Scotland to pass on the lessons learnt from the 2010 event at The Celtic Manor Resort.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland said, “Today’s announcement is an important landmark as we move towards the delivery of The Ryder Cup in 2014.

“Scotland has an enviable track record of delivering world class events and we’re now in a position to work with all of our partners to create a Ryder Cup which will demonstrate Scotland as the perfect stage for events.”

Part of Scotland’s commitment to staging The Ryder Cup is to create a legacy around it, including staging a range of professional tournaments but also supporting the grassroots of the game. Through Clubgolf -Scotland’s junior golf initiative which was launched as a direct result of the successful Ryder Cup bid, over 180,000 have already experienced the sport since 2003. To date, 30 professional tournaments have also been supported, generating over £20million in economic benefit to the country.

The world class calendar of competition continues in 2011 with the Scottish Hydro Challenge, RICOH Women’s British Open, Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open, Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open and the Walker Cup. Scotland is committed to supporting the golf portfolio beyond 2014 to ensure The 2014 Ryder Cup has an impact far and wide.

For more information, please visit www.rydercup2014.com

Economic Impact of Open Championship Published

2011-03-15T11:06:00.001Z

2010 study shows a £100m benefit to Scotland

Open Championship organiser, The R&A and EventScotland today announced that the 150th Anniversary Open Championship staged in St Andrews, last year, delivered a combined £100 million benefit to Scotland.

The figure exceeds an £80 million forecast by researchers from the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University revealed by First Minister, Alex Salmond visiting the Championship last July.

The headline number includes a Scotland-wide economic impact of £47.4 million and a destination marketing benefit of £52.6 million calculated from global television coverage presenting Scotland as the ‘The Home of Golf’.

The independent research study, commissioned jointly by The R&A and EventScotland, found that most of the economic impact was focussed on St Andrews and the Fife Council area, with £40.1 million income entering the local economy directly attributable to The Open Championship.

Commenting on the research outcome, The R&A Chief Executive, Peter Dawson said, “The Open Championship averages six appearances in Scotland in a ten year cycle and we are delighted that the only major Championship staged outside the United States delivers such a powerful legacy to the country recognised, the world over, as the Home of Golf”.

Reviewing the findings, Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said, “Today’s results are wonderful news for both Fife and Scotland.

“The Open Championship in 2010 was a spectacle for everyone who attended and the figures show the undisputed benefit to Scotland of regularly hosting one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.”

The 2010 study was based on 3,000 interviews conducted by the SIRC team, including players, spectators, sponsors, event staff, organisers and the media with overseas visitors to The Open from 43 countries identified by the research. Compared with findings from research carried out at the Open Championship at St Andrews in 2005 the overall economic benefit of staging the event has grown by more than 25% in five years.

Following on from this news, it was also announced today that Scotland’s key partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in relation to the staging of The Open Championship in Scotland.

The MOU has been formed between R&A Championships Limited, the Local Authorities in Fife, Angus, East Lothian and South Ayrshire, along with EventScotland and VisitScotland. Its purpose is to establish consistent arrangements for joint-working between the partners, towards the preparation and future delivery of The Open Championship in Scotland.

The collective work of all parties involved will ensure that Scotland continues to successfully host The Open Championship on a regular basis moving forward, and that the opportunities and impacts associated with this global event are maximised across Scotland.

Golf is a key economic driver for Scotland so today’s impact figures and MOU signing was well received by First Minister Alex Salmond. He said, “I am delighted that hosting this world-class championship has more than exceeded expectations and brought £100m to our economy. Scotland is the home of golf so it’s no surprise our sporting credentials, stunning scenery, first class tourism credentials and reputation as a world leading event destination have made last year’s Open such a success.

“As we journey towards Homecoming 2014, the year in which Scotland will host the Ryder Cup, the Scottish Government and our partners will continue to work together to produce the next generation of golfers, introduce record numbers of young people to the game and also to promote Scotland as the world’s greatest golfing nation.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of EventScotland and VisitScotland said, “The Open Championship is the perfect example of what Scotland does very well - stage world-class events that draw visitors from around the globe. Every golf fan wants to be at St Andrews when The Open is played, and every time it is it delivers impressive economic results for Scotland. Today’s announcement highlights once again why Scotland is the Home of Golf.”

Cllr Peter Grant, Leader of Fife Council said. “As the worldwide home of golf, Fife was proud to host the Open’s 150th anniversary in July 2010. The Open is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and we are delighted with the study’s figures which confirm the great economic benefit the tournament brings to Scotland and Fife.

To stage successful events like the Open requires a great deal of hard work, collaboration and partnership working and we welcome the new initiative to improve on these arrangements so that the Open, when held in Scotland, will continue to be an event of the highest quality and help promote Scotland world wide as a must visit destination.”

Councillor Stuart MacKinnon, East Lothian Council’s economic development spokesman, said, “East Lothian Council welcomes this initiative as it will help ensure that future Opens are organised to maximise the economic benefits from this premier sporting event both nationally and locally. Here in East Lothian, we look forward to the welcome return of the Open to Muirfield in 2013 - it was first held at the club in 1892 - and the opportunity it provides not only to showcase the county’s unrivalled golf product but also the many other attractions that visitors can enjoy while they are here.”

David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council, said: “The MOU is an exciting development that will allow us to continue to deliver successful Open Championships across Scotland, giving local people the chance to see world-class sportsmen and sportswomen in action and, as we see today, bringing very real benefits for local economies. Ayrshire – the birthplace and home of Open Golf – is already looking forward to The Senior Open Championship at Turnberry next year and this latest development will further strengthen the strong and positive relationship we enjoy with The R&A and EventScotland.

“Anything that further increases the opportunities to showcase the wonderful scenery and facilities we have here on Scotland’s Golf Coast is very welcome and will provide a robust way forward for us to continue to provide fantastic international golfing events right here in Ayrshire.”

EventScotland and VisitScotland will continue to be Associate Partners with The Open Championship working with The R&A to ensure that Scotland is promoted as ‘The Home of Golf’ wherever it is played. This reflects Scotland’s historical and cultural relationship with the event, and to raise the profile of Scotland both locally and nationally as a current and future host for the event.

Stuart McEwan to Leave Kingsbarns

2011-03-11T13:46:00.001Z

Kingsbarns Golf Links has announced that Stuart McEwen, General Manager since early 2000, has informed the Company of his decision to leave Kingsbarns.

Stuart is proud of the international acclaim Kingsbarns has achieved under his leadership. From its opening in July 2000 it has consistently been ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World and has hosted ten Alfred Dunhill Links Championships.

“The past decade has gone by very quickly. We have a first class management team here and I’m grateful to have been part of everything they have achieved. However, from a personal standpoint, I have accomplished what I set out to do. With the tenth anniversary celebration last year and our strong involvement with the Open Championship, I feel that I have reached a professional crossroad. While Kingsbarns is a very special place to which I shall often return, I’m looking forward to the challenge of developing the next stage of my career.”

Art Dunkley, Kingsbarns co-founder and owner, accepted Stuart’s decision with reluctance. “Stuart’s careful leadership and congenial style made Kingsbarns everything it has come to be. I know I speak for everyone who has had the pleasure of working for and with Stuart when I say he will be profoundly missed. I personally thank Stuart for his absolute dedication to Kingsbarns and for the pleasure of working with him”.

Stuart will be continuing in his current role for three months while the Company arranges a successor to lead Kingsbarns into the future.

Senior Open Championship to return to Turnberry in 2012

2011-03-09T14:29:00.000Z

The Senior Open Championship will return to the spectacular setting of Turnberry on the Ayrshire coastline from July 26-29, 2012, continuing the Scottish resort’s rich history with the prestigious Championship which began with the inaugural staging in 1987.

It will be the seventh occasion that Turnberry’s Ailsa Course has hosted The Senior Open Championship, the most of any venue on the roster, surpassing the six editions played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

The classic links hosted the first four Senior Open Championships, with Neil Coles wining the inaugural Championship in 1987, Gary Player capturing the title in 1988 and 1990 and Bob Charles lifting the trophy in 1989.

Tom Watson, whose own career is so closely aligned with Turnberry’s proud heritage, then held off the European Senior Tour’s leading career money winner Carl Mason in a play-off when the Championship returned to the Ayrshire Coast in 2003, before fellow American Loren Roberts captured his first Senior Open title in 2006.

Turnberry has also hosted The Open Championship on four occasions with Watson featuring prominently in 1977, when he memorably defeated Jack Nicklaus in what became known as ‘The Duel in the Sun’, and in 2009 when he lost in a play-off to Stewart Cink at the age of 59.

David Hill, Director of Championships for The R&A, said on behalf of the Championship: “We are delighted to announce the return of The Senior Open Championship to Turnberry in 2012, a venue that is steeped in the history of both The Senior Open and The Open.

“The Ailsa Course has provided some of golf’s most memorable moments over the years and hopefully we will once again experience the magnificent support of the Scottish golf fans, just as we did the last time The Senior Open Championship visited the Ayrshire coast in 2008 when we had record crowds at Royal Troon.”

Stewart Selbie, General Manager of Turnberry, said: “Turnberry is delighted to welcome The Senior Open Championship back to the Ailsa course in 2012. Following the success of The 2009 Open, it is entirely fitting that our next Major should be the Senior Open, a tournament which has such a strong connection with the Ailsa course over the years. This announcement confirms Turnberry’s position as a great venue for major Open Championships”

EventScotland, the national events agency, has supported the staging of The Senior Open Championship since 2005 and the 2012 event will be the marquee event on Scotland’s golfing calendar that year.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: “The Senior Open Championship is one of Scotland’s most prestigious regular golf tournaments. We are delighted to see it return next year with significant benefits for Turnberry, South Ayrshire and the wider ‘Home of Golf’ expected. It is important for Scotland to maintain its support of these major events as we prepare to host The Ryder Cup in 2014 and to ensure the ongoing development of the sport on our shores.”

The Senior Open last visited Scotland in 2010 when Carnoustie hosted the Championship for the first time. Germany’s Bernhard Langer claimed his first Senior Major Championship and will defend the title from July 21-24 when Walton Heath Golf Club, in Surrey, England, is the host venue for the Championship’s 25th edition.

Golf Tourism on course to generate £300m for Scottish economy by 2020

2011-03-09T14:24:00.000Z

The golf tourism industry could grow by nearly 30%, generating a potential £300m for the Scottish economy by the end of the decade, according to a new study.

The research, which included a survey of Golf Tourism Scotland members, looks at the potential growth and economic impact of the market in Scotland over the next ten years.

It found that despite the recession and continuing economic challenges, the golf tourism market has remained relatively resilient with nearly 80% of respondents expecting to see positive growth over the next decade.

The study, ‘An Assessment of Golf Tourism’s Future Growth Potential to 2020’, was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with support from Visit Scotland and Golf Tourism Scotland.

It aims to provide a better understanding of the scale of opportunity within the golf tourism market and its size to help identify new opportunities, lead to business growth and increase income and employment across Scotland.

Eddie Brogan, director of tourism, Scottish Enterprise, said: “Golf tourism offers huge possibilities for the Scottish economy and this study gives businesses real ideas of how to maximise this potential. But to achieve the predicted growth rate of nearly 30%, public and private sectors need to work closely together to identify and take advantage of the opportunities available.

"Many other countries are developing golf tourism with the aim of raising their market share, and despite Scotland's accolade as the ‘home of golf’ we need to work hard to secure this position in the global marketplace. The quality of our courses is one of our greatest tourism assets but golf clubs need to develop a range of business skills and become much more commercially focussed as part of a customer-led approach to attracting even more golfing visitors.

"Events such as the Ryder Cup in 2014 have already led to better closer working practices across the sector, and Scottish Enterprise is committed to working with the industry to secure new business opportunities in the golf tourism market.”

According to the study, over the next ten years, the largest growth in visitor numbers is expected to come from EU countries (Germany, France Holland), from emerging markets such as India and China and the more mature markets of North America and Scandanavia are expected to experience slightly weaker growth. The UK however, will continue to be the largest market for golf in Scotland.

The research also strongly encourages golf businesses to work collaboratively to put together packages to attract visitors to Scotland. It highlights the online booking of hotels and transport and e-booking for tee times as key areas to focus on for increased growth and competitiveness. It also highlights the importance of both ensuring that the forthcoming Ryder Cup is used to help showcase Scottish golf and of communicating to Scottish companies the vast business opportunities that this event will bring.

Other key findings include:
There are opportunities to encourage more golf ‘staycations’ in the UK, encouraging UK residents to take golf holidays in the UK instead of abroad;

The 70 most visited courses in Scotland generate 75% of all the staying visitors’ green fees;
The new Trump course at Balmedie, opening in 2012, will generate global interest and provide huge opportunities for local businesses.

Tourism Minister, Jim Mather, said: "Scotland is the home of golf, boasting more than 500 courses - from world renowned championship links to hidden gems dotted across breathtaking landscapes – and providing a unique selling point that attracts thousands of visitors every year from across the globe.

"As this research identifies, golf tourism is a rich asset, making a valuable contribution to Scotland’s economy and carrying huge potential for future growth.

"It makes strong economic sense for Scottish tourism to work hard to boost global interest in our links to the sport, and in Scotland as a world leading active destination.

"That is exactly what we are delivering through our focus in 2011 on Active Scotland, one in a series of focus years leading toward a second year of Homecoming in 2014 - the year Scotland will host the Ryder Cup."

Chris Taylor, Head of Tourism, Food and Drink at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, added: "The Highlands and Islands is home to a diverse mix of golf courses, from hidden island gems to world famous links courses, and it is well positioned to take advantage of the steady growth in Golf Tourism.

“The recent announcement that the Barclays Scottish Open is to be held at Castle Stuart Golf outside Inverness, and investment by Southworth Golf in hotel infrastructure at the newly created Machrihanish Dunes, shows a desire and a commitment by the region to compete in a global market and to match the best in the world.”

Golf Tourism Scotland Forums Hailed a Success

2011-03-04T11:41:00.000Z

Industry experts attending a series of landmark golf business seminars across Scotland have hailed them as a huge success. Staged at five different venues, the Golf Tourism Scotland February Forums achieved a 50% higher level of attendance than last year with delegates representing some of Scotland’s leading golf courses and businesses.

Born out of a collaboration between GTS, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, Tourism Intelligence Scotland and the Scottish Golf Union, this year’s events considered how golf could use market intelligence to plan for the future.

GTS chairman Lee Derrick said he was very satisfied with the turnout and the outcome of the forums. “The February Forums were devised to give the Scottish golf industry a heads-up on the kind of information they could use to help their businesses flourish in 2011,” he said. “Well over 100 delegates attended the forums and the feedback we received was that the events delivered meaningful and pertinent advice as well as practical help. As chairman of GTS, I am extremely pleased with how the forums panned out.”

The informative sessions brought together leading practitioners in golf and tourism who were asked to provide advice that would not only motivate businesses but would also drive growth through innovation. Heading up the speakers was Mike Williamson of MW Associates.

“This series of seminars attracted a wide range of delegates, each with very different agendas,” he said. “What remained constant throughout was a collective commitment to improve our knowledge and understanding of the industry in which we work. I have to take my hat off to the organisers who have devised an inclusive, pioneering and successful series of business events.”

The series of five afternoon sessions took place during February and were open to GTS members and any golf-related companies looking to maximise profits and grow their business.

Scotland’s Day in the Sun

2011-02-09T09:43:00.000Z

For the third year running, Scotland held a golf day at Celebration Golf Club prior to the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

The field of 72 golfers who attended the Scotland Golf Day included golf writers, US-based golf tour operators, Scottishbased suppliers and golf influencers all of whom have a strong interest in growing golf tourism into Scotland.

The day, which is a GTS-led initiative sponsored by VisitScotland and Scottish Development International, had a dash of extra colour thanks to Slanj Trews which provided tartan trousers to all those exhibiting on this year’s Scotland stand. (We assume that GTS Board Member Fraser Cromarty pictured right is fashioning a pair)

GTS chairman Lee Derrick commented: “The Scotland Golf Day is now gaining a reputation as an informal platform to strengthen and forge new working relationships, so much so, that this year we could have opened the event up to over 100 people.”

Old Course Ballot to Change

2011-02-09T09:35:00.000Z

According to the Old Course website, the daily ballot for the world renowned Old Course is to change from January 2012, moving to a 48 hour ahead system of entering for the first time in its history.

AS GTS members are all well aware, for many years golfers have entered the ballot one day ahead of when they wish to play the famous Links but from Saturday, January 7, 2012 golfers will enter two days before.

The change is being made by St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the seven public courses at the Home of Golf, following an extensive consultation exercise with local golfers, local golf clubs, businesses, golf organisations, hoteliers, travel operators and tourism bodies.

It is hoped the change to 48 hours ahead will benefit both local and visiting golfers by enabling them to plan their golf more effectively if they know further in advance when they will be playing the Old Course. It will dovetail with the one-day ahead booking system on the Jubilee, Eden and Strathtyrum courses and will enable golfers who have been unsuccessful in the ballot to book an alternative course for the day they want to play. The earlier draw will make it easier for visiting golfers to plan accommodation and travel arrangements and will encourage them to stay longer in St Andrews and play more golf in and around the town.

Euan Loudon, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said, “This is an historic moment of change and one which has been carefully considered by Trustees and the Links Management Committee. The one-day ahead ballot has been in place for a long time but we believe it is now time to change.

“We hope the 48 hour ahead system will help local golfers plan their golf and will encourage visiting golfers to stay longer in St Andrews and play more golf while they are here. The feedback we have received from many travel operators and hotel and guest house owners suggests it will make it easier for them to plan their clients’ golf itineraries.”

The 48 hour ahead ballot will be drawn for the first time on Saturday, January, 7, 2012 for play on Monday, January 9, 2012. To enter the ballot requires at least two golfers and they will have to enter their names, home clubs and handicaps by 2pm. The ballot will take place every day of the week with the exception of Friday as there is no play on the Old Course on Sundays.

How is this change going to impact on GTS members? We'd welcome your comments

Scottish Open Confirmed for Scottish Highlands

2011-01-24T10:40:00.000Z

Congratulations once again to GTS Golf Course of the Year 2010 - they've now been confirmed as the venue for the 2010 Barclay's Scottish Open.

The European Tour has entered into an agreement with Castle Stuart Golf Links, situated between Inverness and Nairn on Scotland’s Moray Firth coast, which has been confirmed as the venue for the Barclays Scottish Open. The 2011 Championship will be played from July 7-10.

Castle Stuart Golf Links will be the seventh Scottish course to play host to the prestigious tournament since 1972; following in the footsteps of Downfield, St Andrews, Haggs Castle, The Gleneagles Hotel, Carnoustie and Loch Lomond Golf Club, which staged proceedings over the last 15 years from 1996 to 2010.

The ground breaking trip to the Highlands also begins a two week festival of links golf which spans the entire length of the United Kingdom, as it is followed by The 140th Open Championship at Royal St George’s in Kent, England; the fortnight perfectly showcasing the best of what is new in links golf at Castle Stuart as well as celebrating the heritage of the links game at Sandwich.

The prize fund for the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open remains at £3 million and to claim the first prize of £500,000, the players will have to conquer a new golf course which has received worldwide praise since its official opening in the summer of 2009.

Co-designed by Managing Partner Mark Parsinen – who was also responsible for the design of Kingsbarns in Fife – and American golf course architect Gil Hanse, the course was voted as Best New Course for 2009 by Golf Magazine USA while Ron Whitten, writing in the December 2010 issue of Golf Digest USA, stated that “Castle Stuart might be the most perfectly conceived and executed design ever built.”

Italian Edoardo Molinari will defend the title against a stellar field including Graeme McDowell, the 2008 champion, and Phil Mickelson, winners of the US Open and the Masters Tournament respectively in 2010, and three time Major Champion Padraig Harrington, who have all, at this early stage, committed to playing at Castle Stuart in July (see Player Quotes below).

European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady said: “It is always exciting to break new ground and everyone at The European Tour is delighted to be staging one of our most prestigious events at a new venue which has been so widely acclaimed.

“Our Members already enjoy competing at Kingsbarns on The European Tour International Schedule and I am sure they will eagerly anticipate testing their skills against the Mark Parsinen-designed course at Castle Stuart. Loch Lomond were extremely courteous and supportive during our negotiations to move forward with the Championship and we will all take away some wonderful memories of our time there and we wish them well in the future.

“This year’s venue might be young, but we are delighted to maintain our strong relationship with Barclays for whom this is the tenth year of its title sponsorship of the event. Such a level of involvement speaks volumes for their overall commitment, not only to The European Tour but to golf worldwide. We congratulate Barclays for the vision in supporting the Barclays Scottish Open at such an outstanding venue for championship golf.”

Course co-designer Parsinen commented: "I fell in love with links golf in the British Isles 40 years ago and have spent the past 15 honing certain links sensibilities, firstly with the crafting of Kingsbarns in St Andrews and now with Castle Stuart in the Highlands.

“All of us involved with Castle Stuart know what a privilege it is to host the Barclays Scottish Open as the first stop in a two week celebration of links golf in the British Isles."

Tim Peat, Managing Director, Barclays Capital, said: “Scotland as the home of golf has a history of developing and presenting world class golf courses and tournaments, and the Barclays Scottish Open has always sought to reflect that pedigree. I would like to thank Loch Lomond Golf Club, its management, owners and members for hosting the Barclays Scottish Open over the past nine years. Loch Lomond's exceptional green keeping combined with its superb organisation and hospitality has delivered memorable and exciting golf and made the Barclays Scottish Open an essential part of the golfing calendar.

“We have always received requests from professionals to host the Barclays Scottish Open at a links course and we are delighted The European Tour has selected Castle Stuart. We look forward to working with the team at Castle Stuart and our partners at The European Tour to continue to deliver a world class tournament. We are confident this new links course will be a fantastic venue for the golfing public and our clients to watch the world’s best golfers compete for the Barclays Scottish Open.”

This will be the tenth year that Barclays has participated as title sponsor and will continue its involvement with The European Tour, a commitment which also extends to its title sponsorship of the Barclays Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club, a co-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour, which was won last November by Australia’s Adam Scott.

As well as the support of Barclays, the tournament has also garnered widespread backing from the public sector agencies in the local area, namely Highland Council, the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Visit Scotland, Event Scotland and Scottish Development International, all of whom who have pledged their support and assistance.

Player comments

Pedraig Harrington, who will be seeking his first victory in the event, commented: “Castle Stuart is reputed to be a fine addition to Scotland’s links courses and I think many players will welcome the opportunity to play competitive links golf the week prior to The Open Championship, which has proved to be ideal preparation for me in the past.”

Graeme McDowell, winner of the Barclays Scottish Open in 2008, said: “I will always have wonderful memories of my victory in the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond in 2008. However, I am delighted at the prospect of playing two classic links courses in consecutive weeks this year in the Barclays Scottish Open at Castle Stuart followed by The Open Championship at Royal St George’s.

“As a native of Portrush, I grew up with links golf and I’ve heard some great reports about Castle Stuart and am really looking forward to playing the course. The combination of an exciting new venue and a top class sponsor in Barclays should ensure a memorable tournament there in July.”

Phil Mickelson, three-time Masters Champion and a strong supporter of the event down the years, said: “I am really excited about moving the Barclays Scottish Open to Castle Stuart Golf Links this year. I know I'm looking forward to testing my game on a strong links course the week before The Open Championship and I'm sure a number of top players from the PGA Tour will be taking advantage of the opportunity. This is set up to be outstanding for the tournament, the players and the fans.”

Edoardo Molinari, who won the first of two titles in Scotland in 2010 at the Barclays Scottish Open, said: “Winning the Barclays Scottish Open was one of the highlights of my career to date and I am looking forward enormously to defending my title at Castle Stuart.I am sure that my colleagues on The European Tour will share my delight at the news that we will be playing a classic Scottish links course before heading to Royal St George’s for The Open and it promises to be an exciting and competitive two weeks of golf in July.”

The course at Castle Stuart Golf Links
The first three holes on each nine play away from the art deco clubhouse and hug the Moray Firth coastline while the remainder of the golf course is mostly atop a plateau and the stair-step nature of the routing and shaping creates the impression of 'infinity greens'; ie that they are hanging right over the edge of the water.    
The views afforded by the golf course are spectacular; from Castle Stuart itself, a regal 17th Century citadel positioned behind the fourth green; to the Chanonry Lighthouse across the Moray Firth to the east and the Kessock Bridge, the gateway to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to the west.    
For further information on Castle Stuart visit www.castlestuartgolf.com/distinctive-course-features.html

Ticket information
The Barclays Scottish Open Championship in 2011 will boast one of the strongest fields on The European Tour International Schedule, with many of the world’s best players in action pursuing a prize fund of £3 million. All four days will be broadcast live on both BBC Television (July 9 and 10) and Sky Sports (July 7 and 8) with extensive highlights on both channels.

Advance tickets are now on sale for the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open with significant reductions available on tickets purchased before the end of March. For full details of these ticket offers and other events on The European Tour, please visit www.europeantourtickets.com or telephone the Ticket Hotline: +44 (0) 800 023 2557; fax +44 141 887 0223. Please send postal enquiries to European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123 Renfrew Court Three, Paisley, PA3 4EA.

For further information on The Barclays Scottish Open contact The European Tour Website: www.europeantour.com or the Official Championship Website: www.barclaysscottishopen.co.uk

Scottish Golf Industry Revels in New Year Possibilities

2011-01-17T13:53:00.000Z

Scotland’s golf tourism sector has provided a strong indication that confidence is returning to the industry after a challenging two years. Golf Tourism Scotland has released findings from a recent poll that indicate travel, hospitality and golf professionals are increasingly upbeat about the year ahead.

Conducted at the industry’s coveted Gold Standard Awards at the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick, the survey asked golf professionals if they felt more or less positive about 2011. The overwhelming majority (94%) indicated they were looking forward to the next 12 months - up 4% on a similar study carried out last year. Only 1% felt less confident (down 7%) and 4% were undecided.

“There is a different feel about 2011, and it definitely has a positive edge,” commented Lee Derrick, chairman of GTS. “The last two years have been tough and the industry has been forced to make some difficult decisions, but looking forward I see an exciting year ahead and increasing optimism among our members.”

Derrick puts at least some of this positivity down to a remarkable season of golf. “Europe winning the Ryder Cup and the performance of the Brits on tour has been sensational,” he said. “It has really fired up the public’s imagination and desire for golf. Closer to home, having the Open Championship at St Andrews was very special and once again put Scotland firmly under the world’s spotlight.”

His views were echoed by those quizzed at the Gold Standard Awards who invariably agreed (81%) that the Home of Golf hosting the Open Championship had had a positive impact on their business. Only 9% saw it as negative and 10% saw no change. “The highlight of the year in Scotland was the Open at St Andrews,” noted GTS board member Fraser Cromarty, who also acts as the sales and marketing manager at Castle Stuart Golf Links. “As always, it was a great shop window for the whole of Scotland. Looking forward, the feeling around the industry is that 2011 should see improvements on the progress made in 2010, which I’m sure everyone would welcome.”

Golf Tourism Scotland Industry Forums

2011-01-14T16:54:00.000Z

Dates have been confirmed for an exciting programme of GTS seminars to be held in February.

The subject matter of this year's events is market intelligence and how to use it to get ahead. For instance, what is good information, how can it help businesses make better decisions and how can it be used to improve the bottom line?

As well as three key-note presentations, the seminars will also include Q&A sessions, creative innovation workshops and networking buffet lunches.

Heading up the impressive line-up is Mike Williamson of MW Associates who will provide a summary of the 2010 Golf Tourism Monitor. He will be joined by Tourism Intelligence Scotland which will outline key practical insights into golf tourism that will inspire everyone to get ahead.

There will also be a special 'international' presenter at each event who will reveal how market intelligence continues to help their business flourish. The afternoon will conclude with an innovation workshop that will explain how to use market intelligence and customer insights to generate new ideas and improve the customer experience.

The forums will take place on:

8th February at Meldrum House Country Hotel in Aberdeenshire
10th February at Longniddry Golf Club in East Lothian
15th February at Panmure Golf Club in Tayside
17th February at the South Ayrshire Council County Buildings in Ayrshire
22nd February at Nairn Golf Club in The Highlands.

The sessions are open to all GTS members and any golf-related companies looking to maximise profits and grow their business. Bookings can be made by calling Elaine Townsend on 0131 225 5734 or emailing her at admin@golftourismscotland.com

Cost:

GTS Members - Free
Non-Members - £25 (If you decide to join on the day, the £25 will be taken off your membership fee.)

Machrie Hotel and Golf LInks in Administration

2011-01-06T09:57:00.000Z

A sign of the times perhaps when over the holiday period it was announced that the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links had gone into administration.

For those who have ventured on to the island - and it features in the programmes of many GTS Tour Operator members - would ever forget the experience for sure as it is one of the most stunning golf venues anywhere in the country.

Blair Nimmo, joint administrator from KPMG Scotland, said: “Both the hotel and golf course have excellent reputations and are regarded as destination venues for visitors to Islay.

“Despite this, Machrie Hotel and Golf Links has unfortunately, like many other companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, been impacted from tightening consumer spending and troubled economic conditions.”

And he added: “Taking Islay’s prominence as a tourist hot spot into account with its high number of whisky distilleries and other attractions, we are optimistic a buyer will be found for this quite excellent facility.”

All with an interest in golf would hope that this confidence is fulfilled ahead of the new season.

Read the full article from a local perspective from the Caledonian Mercury

New Ayrshire, Antrim, Argyll Ferry Link

2011-01-06T09:49:00.001Z

Interesting news for many GTS members who have already used the services of the Kintyre Express over the past years with news of a new passenger ferry restoring the link between Kintyre and Northern Ireland after a 10-year gap which will also sail regularly to Ayrshire.

Boats will operate return trips from Campbeltown to Ballycastle in Antrim four days a week from May, and between Campbeltown and Troon three days a week.

There is enthusiasm for the 12-passenger fast-ferry service unveiled by Kintyre Express, an arm of family owned Campbeltown-based bus company West Coast Motors.

It already has one 35ft rigid inflatable boat, with a centrally heated and fully enclosed cabin, and another is due to be delivered in March. They will take 90 minutes to cross to Antrim (single £30, return £55) and 75 minutes to Troon (prices still to be confirmed).

The ferries will make two return trips to Ballycastle in Antrim on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, and two return trips to Troon on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Colin Craig, managing director, said: “When we acquired the Kintyre Express from the previous operator in Ayrshire, who had concentrated on hire and charter work, we considered running trips to the likes of Oban and Tobermory and even did some trial runs. But there is such a demand here in Kintyre for the restoration of the link to Northern Ireland, we decided to think again.

“We recognised that in the current economic climate there was little or no chance of a public subsidy for a traditional ferry. We really saw this as the last chance to establish whether or not there was a market for a passenger ser-vice at least between Campbeltown and Ballycastle, one with a focus on tourism.

“There have been so many studies on the viability of a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle in the past 10 years, that everybody here is fed up with them. We just thought we are going to give it a go.”

Mr Craig said there was great scope for golfing holidays based around the ferry service. There was the celebrated new Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, and also Dunaverty, Carradale, and Tarbert on the Kintyre penin- sula, and the course on the island of Gigha.

He added: “The link to Ayrshire also offers Royal Troon and Turnberry, not to mention Prestwick.”

Q&A Session from VisitScotland Chair

2011-01-06T09:42:00.000Z

Over the holiday period Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland was interviewed on the prospects for 2011 for the industry. The question and answer session can be read on The Scotsman pages

Storytelling Required Says Visitscotland Chief

2011-01-06T09:38:00.000Z

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, has urged Scottish businesses to “regain the art of storytelling” as part of a drive to put distinctive local identities at the heart of Scotland’s tourism strategy.

Promoting this message and other responses to tourism trends, Roughead also revealed plans for more “outreach” work by VisitScotland, including a series of workshops where local businesses can discuss growing trends in tourism and how they might collectively exploit them.

Read the full Herald Interview here

New GTS Chairman Appointed

2011-01-06T09:21:00.001Z

Golf Tourism Scotland Appoint New Chair

Trade body Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) has named its new chairman, appointing board member Lee Derrick to the post following the retirement of Nick Hunter.

Derrick, who heads specialist marketing agency Blue Spinach, has an enviable track record, racking up more than 15 years' experience working with Virgin Atlantic, VisitBritain and Golf & Resort Management.

He says of his elevation to chairman: "Being a part of GTS has been a wonderful experience and to be given the opportunity to take the organisation forward is one that I will savour.

"I hope I can carry on the good work started by Nick and the other board members by championing our members' concerns and aspirations."

Hunter, who held the post for two and a half years, oversaw the establishment of GTS as a key player in Scotland's lucrative tourism sector. He recalls: "As far as high points, there are quite a few to choose from, but the fifth-anniversary celebrations in St Andrews sticks out."

GTS February Forum Series

2010-12-22T13:08:00.001Z

Leading golf experts have been lined up for a February forum series in Scotland.

An exciting programme of seminars has been unveiled that will provide invaluable advice to businesses in the travel, hospitality and golf service sectors operating in the Home of Golf. The series of five February Forums will be held at venues across Scotland in 2011 and will include insights from leading lights of the golf industry.

Born out of a collaboration between Golf Tourism Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, Tourism Intelligence Scotland and the Scottish Golf Union, this year's events will consider how to use market intelligence to get ahead. For instance, what is good information, how can it help businesses make better decisions and how can it be used to improve the bottom line?

The enlightening sessions will bring together leading practitioners in tourism intelligence who will motivate golf tourism businesses to generate fresh ideas and drive growth through innovation. As well as three key-note presentations, the seminars will also include Q&A sessions, creative innovation workshops and networking buffet lunches.

As Lee Derrick, the chairman of GTS pointed out, the 2011 forums have been designed to provide a networking opportunity that will encourage industry engagement and collaborative working at both national and regional levels.

"This year's forums will follow a clear agenda to provide delegates with the best advice to help their businesses grow in 2011," he said. "We have taken a lot from last year's forums and added even more delegate participation. The new format means there will be even more opportunities to share ideas and form relationships. The forums are all about sharing best practice and inspiring the golf industry for the year ahead."

Heading up the impressive line-up is Mike Williamson of MW Associates who will provide a summary of the 2010 Golf Tourism Monitor, while Tourism Intelligence Scotland will outline key practical insights into golf tourism that will inspire everyone to get ahead. There will also be a special 'international' presenter at each event who will reveal how market intelligence continues to help their business flourish, and the afternoon will conclude with an innovation workshop that will show how to use market intelligence and customer insights to generate new ideas and improve the customer experience.

"It's certainly an impressive line-up that will undoubtedly reveal a range of useful insights and practical hints on how to use market intelligence to prosper," said Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland. "The objective is to enable golf tourism businesses develop innovative products and services based on good market intelligence so they can maximise the scale of business opportunity that exists within the golf tourism sector."

The series of five afternoon sessions will take place during February and will be open to all GTS members and any golf-related companies looking to maximise profits and grow their business. Bookings can be made by emailing admin@golftourismscotland.com

Golf Industry Reveals Gold Standard Winners

2010-11-12T17:16:00.007Z

This year’s top golf honours have been announced at the glittering Golf Tourism Scotland’s Gold Standard Awards held at the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick. The sell-out event has become the golf industry’s annual jamboree during which the very best of Scottish golf tourism is celebrated.

More information here...

GTS Gold Standard Awards 2010

2010-11-06T20:57:00.004Z

The GTS Gold Standard Awards awards dinner is taking place this Thursday, 11th November at the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa, North Berwick.

This is the time of year when Golf Tourism Scotland, through its annual industry awards programme, recognises and publicises the best of Scottish golf tourism by nominating those golf courses, accommodation providers, tour operators and others that have gone the extra mile in their delivery of superb service.

More information here...

GTS Chairman's Report 2010

2010-10-14T21:11:00.004+01:00

If the analogy for running a golf tourism business at the present time is that we are all travelling through a tunnel with the lights out, the first thing to say is – the tunnel has an end to it and daylight can be seen as you near that point. The second observation is that some businesses are closer to the end of the tunnel than others. Therefore, they find it easier to see what to do for the future, while others are still struggling in the dark.

Read more...

20th Anniversary Celebration at the British Golf Museum

2010-09-17T10:33:00.000+01:00

The British Golf Museum is opening its doors for free on Saturday 18th September. 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the British Golf Museum and the 150th anniversary of The Open Championship.

Originally a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ started by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1864, the collection formed the basis of the Museum, which now displays the largest collection of golfing artefacts and memorabilia in Europe.

Since opening in 1990, the museum has won several major awards and is currently one of only nine museums in Scotland to have been awarded 5 star status by VisitScotland. For 20 years it has been bringing to life the history and traditions of the game of golf. To meet the expectations of visitors it continues to showcase exceptional collections through visually outstanding displays and interactive interpretation.

To mark its 20th anniversary, the museum is offering free admission on 20 special free entry days throughout the year, the next of which is on its 20th Birthday, the 18th September 2010. Highlights of 2010 have already included the unveiling of three new exhibitions and in celebration of the 150th Open Championship the museum is also showcasing an Open Trail guidebook, which is free for every visitor.

St Andrews Links Trust Appoints New Chief Executive

2010-09-09T19:24:00.003+01:00

St Andrews Links Trust has appointed Euan Loudon as its new chief executive.

Mr Loudon (54), who is currently chief executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will take up his new position early next year. The Trust manages and maintains the seven public golf courses in St Andrews including the Old Course and The Castle Course.

A former assistant professional golfer, Mr Loudon joined the army in 1974 and quickly rose through the officer ranks. He commanded the 1st Battalion, The Royal Highland Fusiliers and in his final appointment, in the rank of Major General, he was General Officer Commanding the Army’s 2nd Division and Governor of Edinburgh Castle.

More info here…

Golf Tourism in Scotland: An Assessment of Growth Potential

2010-08-12T17:46:00.004+01:00

Without question Scotland is one of the world’s premier golf destinations (voted Best Golf Destination of the Year 2009 by Today’s Golfer) and is recognised globally as the “Home of Golf”.

Similar to other tourism sectors, however, there have been significant changes in both the buying behaviour and destination choices of potential golfing visitors so it is vital that the industry keeps pace with this fast-moving marketplace. Scotland undeniably holds the accolade of being the country ‘where it all started’ with all the traditions associated with this, but can’t rely on this alone for the future growth and success of its golf tourism product.

With Scotland hosting the Ryder Cup in 2014 and increasing competition from other golfing destinations, time is now ripe for the golf tourism sector to work together to share up-to-date market intelligence to ensure that the industry remains competitive both now & in the future.
With this in mind, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, with support from GTS & VisitScotland, have recently commissioned SQW consultants to carry out an assessment of the growth potential of golf tourism at national & regional levels up to 2020 as well as benchmark Scotland’s future growth prospects with other leading global golfing destinations.

As part of their research, SQW will carry out detailed consultations with key golf courses, tour operators & other golf-related business interests in order to get an industry-led view of the golf tourism market over the next 10 years. The research findings will be made available to GTS members as part of a wider industry circulation by late Autumn & will be used to inform future strategy and investment decisions as part of the public sector’s support to golf tourism generally.

For further details please contact Gordon Todd, Senior Project Executive, Scottish Enterprise on 0141 228 2122 or via Gordon.Todd@scotent.co.uk.

Pitlochry GC To Host Highland Open

2010-06-19T17:47:00.004+01:00

GTS member Pitlochry GC will host The Highland Open from Sunday 8th to Friday 13th August, a 6-day event open to amateur golfers. More information here...

Brunston Castle GC – Raising Funds for Help for Heroes

2010-06-13T18:54:00.005+01:00

GTS member Brunston Castle GC is to take part in the United Kingdom's biggest amateur charity golf event, all in aid of 'Help for Heroes'.

On Saturday 24th July 2010, a week after the Open Championship at St. Andrews, the club will participate in The National Golf Club Challenge, the largest event of its kind to take place in the UK. The challenge will bring together hundreds of golf clubs and thousands of golfers to compete, have fun and raise funds.

More information here...

Golf Tourism Scotland to host forum on future of golf tourism

2010-05-17T10:54:00.003+01:00

Golf Tourism Scotland will host a national forum on Tuesday 6th July to discuss the future of golf tourism in Scotland.

Held at Murrayshall House Hotel in Perthshire, the event will form a key part of the celebrations marking the trade body's fifth year of campaigning for the golf tourism trade sector and bring together an impressive line-up of key speakers from both public and private sectors to discuss what the next five years hold for golf tourism in Scotland. As a result, trend spotting will be the order of day along with a healthy dose of best-practice guidelines, with some educated and inspired projections for the future.

Included in the exciting programme of speakers is VisitScotland's Director of Visitor Engagement Malcolm Roughead (OBE), Scottish Enterprise's head of tourism Eddie Brogan, Golf Development Manager for the SGU and SGLA Andy Salmon and Lee Derrick, owner of the multi-faceted marketing agency Blue Spinach.

Also giving their insights into what lies ahead will be Seamus Coen, a regional general manager at Macdonald Hotels and Max Hare, a German tour operator serving a host of European countries including Scotland.

"It's an extremely exciting line-up, made all the more intriguing by the theme of the forum," noted GTS chairman Nick Hunter. "We've given them a fairly strict brief to identify key trends that will influence their sector and reveal how they intend to develop their organisations within these parameters. It will be a fascinating day, finding out what the future holds for each of us."

Greywalls - A New Beginning

2010-05-02T17:52:00.001+01:00

One of Scottish golf tourism’s most treasured establishments has just reopened as a hotel once again.

Situated on the edge of the world famous Muirfield golf course and only forty minutes drive from Edinburgh, Greywalls has opened its doors with a new restaurant by legendary chef Albert Roux. Designed by Edwardian architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901, Greywalls has stayed true to its roots and today retains the original classical style for which it is renowned. The house offers 23 en suite bedrooms, warm and inviting public areas including a dedicated whisky room and traditional style library, elegant walled gardens, two tennis courts, a putting green and a croquet lawn. There are twelve golf courses within five miles of the hotel, including Gullane, Luffness, North Berwick, The Renaissance Club and Archerfield.

More information here...

Fife Council takes Fife golf to the next level

2010-04-11T16:55:00.006+01:00

Fife golf courses and the tourism trade are being encouraged to take a bigger share of the golf tourism market by giving their views on the way forward for more collaboration, through a Fife Golf Alliance. The aim is to improve services, facilities and the golf product, boost business, generate a bigger and better offer to visiting golfers and spread the benefits of golf tourism across the region. With an estimated 1200 golf related jobs in Fife, the market is increasingly competitive and new international destinations are investing heavily, so the planned Alliance would help protect and boost jobs too.

BTS consultants, appointed by Fife Council, are inviting the tourism trade to express their opinions through an open survey and online forum.

Golf tourism generates around £220m for the Scottish economy. This includes the value of visiting golfers staying overnight (£187m) and a further £36m through expenditure by visitors to the major golf events (source VisitScotland). There are already good examples of local collaboration occurring in golf – through the St Andrews Links Trust, St Andrews Golf Development Group, First in Fife Golf pass, Links with History and Elmwood College for instance –and Fife Council believes that there are definite opportunities to be realised by further enhanced joint working.

The Face in a Crowd

2010-02-25T13:02:00.012Z

Gary Forbes the golf professional at GTS member, Murcar Golf Links, has been selected as one of 14 eclectic individuals to represent Scotland, in VisitScotland's latest European Touring Campaign entitled 'Meet the Scots...'.

"We are delighted to see golf represented in this £1.25m campaign for 2010, as it certainly is one of Scotland's biggest draws" said Nick Hunter, Chairman of Golf Tourism Scotland.

The touring campaign is due to run from February until June this year and will target Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands en route.

Check out VisitScotland for further information.

Double Cause for Celebration at the British Golf Museum

2010-02-23T12:36:00.004Z

The British Golf Museum, a new GTS member, is opening its doors for free this Saturday, 27th February, to kick start a year of celebrations.

2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the British Golf Museum and the 150th anniversary of The Open Championship. To mark its anniversary, the museum is offering free admission on 20 special free entry days throughout the year. Highlights of 2010 will include the unveiling of three new exhibitions. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of The Open it is also showcasing a unique Open Championship collection in the Open Championship Trail, booklet, which will be available for Easter.

Originally a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ started by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1864, the collection formed the basis of the Museum, which now displays the largest collection of golfing artefacts and memorabilia in Europe. Since opening in 1990, the museum has won several major awards and is currently one of only nine museums in Scotland to have been awarded 5 star status by VisitScotland. For 20 years it has been bringing to life the history and traditions of the game of golf. To meet the expectations of visitors, it continues to showcase exceptional collections through visually outstanding displays and interactive interpretation.

The British Golf Museum is a 5 star museum, situated at the heart of the home of golf in St Andrews. Imaginative exhibitions and stunning multimedia bring to life over 500 years of golfing history. The British Golf Museum is the world’s premier heritage centre for golf.

For further information please contact:

Judy Chance

01334 460051 (Direct line)

01334 460046 (Museum reception)

Email: judychance@randa.org

Scottish Golf at PGA Show 2010

2010-01-27T14:08:00.004Z

Today, prior to the annual PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, GTS is hosting a Scotland Golf Day, sponsored by VisitScotland and Scottish Development International.

"Scotland, the Home of Golf" is taking over a little piece of the USA for the day, with 64 individuals representing various areas of the golf industry getting together at the Celebration Golf Club, to network with fellow travel professionals and to entertain some of those who have supported our country with business over the years.

With the added help of our sponsors, stand space at the PGA Show itself has been made available to a number of industry partners for them to showcase their own businesses and beat the drum for Scottish golf as a whole. GTS will also be co-hosting an evening drinks reception with Golf East Lothian during the event.

GTS Announces Regional Forums for 2010

2009-12-23T16:21:00.002Z

Titled "Marketing Methods That Work", the forums are intended to provide the ideal start to the New Year. The season ahead will be crucial for golf businesses wanting to put the difficulties of 2009 behind them and the forums have been devised to provide expert guidance on how best to do that.

These afternoon events will bring together insightful presentations from leading practitioners in golf-related promotion, website design and photography, preceded by a networking lunch. Award-winning golf course photographer Mark Alexander will divulge the secrets of capturing great images and how to use them to attract business and generate revenue. Ian McCaig, from The Edge, shall reveal the unwritten rules that govern successful websites while PR specialist Yvonne Alexander will explain how to attract visitors by getting your stories told.

Dates and venues: Tuesday 9th February at Castle Stuart GL, Inverness; Thursday 11th February at North Berwick GC; Tuesday 16th February at the Inn at Lathones, St Andrews; Thursday 18th February at Cameron House on Loch Lomond. Timing: 1:00 - 4:45pm. Cost: One FREE place per member company and £25 per person for non-members or additional representatives.

Contact the Secretary to book or for more information.

Glenmuir Launches New Collection

2009-12-09T11:46:00.003Z

Glenmuir, one of Europe’s leading golf apparel brands and a GTS member, has launched a new Men’s 1891 Classic Collection for Spring/Summer 2010.

Full Press Release here...

Castle Stuart Golf Links wins GOLF Magazine award

2009-12-07T13:00:00.005Z

Congratulations to GTS member Castle Stuart Golf Links for being named as Best New International Golf Course 2009 by U.S. publication GOLF Magazine.

More information here...

Hamilton Hall, St Andrews under new ownership!

2009-12-05T14:58:00.003Z

One of the most recognisable buildings in St Andrews - Hamilton Hall overlooking the Old Course - is under new ownership again having been bought by the Kohler Co, which already owns the Old Course Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, a GTS member.

Hamilton Hall was originally opened as the Grand Hotel in 1895 to capitalise on the rapid expansion of St Andrews as a popular tourist destination. Owner Thomas Hamilton is said to have commissioned the construction immediately after his application for membership had been rejected by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, in a bid to overshadow the latter's clubhouse! During World War II the hotel was requisitioned by the armed forces and then acquired by the University of St Andrews in 1949 as a hall of residence, being used as such until 2006.

More information here...

GTS Gold Standard Awards 2009

2009-11-09T17:13:00.005Z

The winners of this year’s awards were recently announced at a gala dinner held at the new-look Turnberry Resort. Across 11 categories, exponents of the very best in Scottish golf tourism were recognised from various sectors including travel, hospitality, golf courses and golf services.

Full story here...

Play Turnberry with Golfbreaks.com

2009-10-07T17:13:00.005+01:00

GTS member company Golfbreaks.com is giving golfers a last-minute opportunity to stay-and-play at the Turnberry Resort, home of this year’s dramatic Open Championship, for as little as £175pp.

To take advantage of this one-off opportunity golfers must make their booking before Sunday, October 11th. More information here.

Springboard Charity Golf Day

2009-09-27T18:06:00.005+01:00

For over 18 years Springboard UK has been helping young, unemployed and disadvantaged people into careers within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sectors.

The Springboard Charity Golf Day will be taking place at GTS resort member Marriot Dalmahoy Hotel & CC on Monday 19th October, with all funds raised from the event going towards the organisation's vital work in Scotland.

More information here...

Carrick on Loch Lomond hosts PGA Cup

2009-09-17T13:24:00.003+01:00

Pre-match events are well in-hand at De Vere’s stunning Carrick on Loch Lomond golf course as it prepares to host the 24th PGA Cup matches. The talking stops tomorrow morning when the first match gets underway but for now the two Captains are happy to soak up the atmosphere, keep a watchful eye on the form of their players and enjoy the warm Scottish hospitality at Cameron House, De Vere’s luxury hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Pictured here on the 10th tee with spectacular mountain and Loch views in their Captain’s Club Cars with the impressive Llandudno International trophy, the two captains were rich in praise for both the golf course and the hotel and were gearing up for a fantastic weekend of golf. More information...

Glenmuir's New Men's Classic Collection

2009-09-09T17:36:00.003+01:00

Golf Tourism Scotland member Glenmuir has introduced new sweater designs to its Men’s Classic Collection for Autumn/Winter 2009, as the leading apparel brand looks to build on the continued success of its ever-popular knitwear.

Three carefully-selected contemporary colour palettes have also been introduced for the season – ‘Blue Tones’ (four classic shades of blue from the deepest navy to cool ice), ‘Black Jack’ (linen, greys and a deep Garnet red) and ‘Autumn Fire’ (subtle earth colours and a vibrant Fire red) – which feature across its entire range.

For more information see here.

Early Birdie offer from Golfbreaks.com

2009-09-07T16:16:00.002+01:00

Golfbreaks.com, Europe’s largest golf travel company and a member of Golf Tourism Scotland, has launched an ‘Early Birdie’ promotion, allowing groups to book a 2010 golf break at 2009 prices and also giving them the opportunity to receive up to £300 discount or claim a free TaylorMade R9 Driver. As well as the benefit of reserving the very best tee-times and hotels, groups who book next year’s golf break before September 30th 2009 will also continue to receive existing discounts, which include free stay-and-play places on certain bookings. Golfbreaks.com are also offering customers who sign up to, or who are already members of its loyalty scheme, Break Points, the option of transferring their cash saving into Break Points, potentially saving up to £450 off future bookings.

Michael Birch, Marketing Manager for Golfbreaks.com, said: “Many of our customers who travel as a group will be thinking and planning next year’s golf break right now. This promotion rewards group bookings of eight or more by allowing them to secure the best 2010 slots before they get snapped up. We’re also giving golfers a choice of reward, whether they want a straight cash discount, earn Golfbreaks.com Break Points to redeem against future bookings or, for bookings of a certain level, take part cash and a free TaylorMade R9 Driver.”

Golfbreaks.com offers over 900 venues to play golf in the UK, Europe and further afield and is one of the golf travel industry’s most innovative companies, offering a Price Promise guarantee on all bookings. It is also ABTA-bonded to protect its customers, is the official travel supplier to the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and a member of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), as well as GTS.

Groups or individuals booking through Golfbreaks.com are allocated their own dedicated sales consultant, who will offer the highest levels of customer care throughout the booking process from the original enquiry through to the first drive. Golfbreaks.com had a record year in 2008 sending 120,000 golfers on golf breaks. Continuing on from this strong performance, 2009 looks set to show an even greater success with over 165,000 golfers booked through Golfbreaks.com and Teeofftimes.co.uk, the company’s online tee time booking service.

For more information contact 0800 279 7988 or visit www.golfbreaks.com.

Annfield House Hotel, Irvine has Open Championship availability

2009-07-08T15:39:00.002+01:00

Located on the banks of the River Irvine with views of the Isle of Arran, the family-owned Annfield House Hotel still has some Open Championship room availability from 13th-19th July inclusive, due to a late cancellation.

Rates are £150.00 per night per room including breakfast for a twin/double, with single rooms at £99.00. For more details contact the General Manager, Dionne Conway, on 01294 278 903
or via info@annfieldhousehotel.co.uk.

Duff House Royal looks to the future with new appointment

2009-05-23T16:09:00.002+01:00

Duff House Royal Golf Club has appointed a new club manager. The Banff club has one eye on the future with the appointment, which brings James Cameron (30) and his family back to the North East of Scotland. James brings considerable commercial experience to the role, having worked in marketing in the US, for STV and AVC Sports in Aberdeen, as well as writing a thesis on Scottish Golf Tourism. Attractive credentials amidst challenging market conditions for golf clubs.

“I am delighted to join Duff House Royal and, as I’m from the area am fully aware of the stature of the club and what it means to the local community" says James. "It has a rich history, a wonderful 1910 James Braid course which was re-designed in 1923 by Dr Alister Mackenzie, (the last Scottish course he worked on before going on to design Augusta National), a strong membership, a great reputation and of course Royal status. It is my job to capitalise on the strengths that are already there, and use my experience to market these to a wider audience…but at the same time remain mindful of the needs of our members; after all, we are a members club. We celebrate our centenary next year, which gives us all the opportunity to ensure the traditions and heritage of the club are championed, whilst at the same time we are ready to take on the modern day challenges that all golf clubs are faced with.

We are also looking at our marketing activities, are looking to revamp our website with video items, and we’re also considering our membership pricing structure for 2010; all steps in the right direction. And with some tremendous feedback received about how the course is playing - having installed a new drainage system last year - we’re all; members, committee and staff alike, really looking forward with a sense of enthusiasm.”

Carnoustie Green Fee Freeze

2009-04-13T14:10:00.004+01:00

Carnoustie Golf Links has made an early and positive decision to freeze the green fee on its Championship Course for 2010. At a difficult economic time this is welcome news indeed.

The allocation of tee-times for next year will commence this August, but requests are already being accepted and kept on file until then.

In July 2010 Carnoustie will host the Senior Open Championship, which will run immediately after the Open Championship at St Andrews. A tremendous opportunity to see the golfing stars of today and yesteryear within a two-week period.

The Craighead Charity Challenge

2009-04-06T10:22:00.006+01:00

Crail Golfing Society has just announced its support for the St Andrews-based charity Keepers of the Green, laying down a challenge on the organisation's behalf to any golfer bold enough to try and match his or her handicap on the Gil Hanse-designed Craighead Links.

The Challenge runs from 1st April 2009 to 30th September 2009 and is open to any full fee paying visitor with a valid handicap. A donation to Keepers of the Green of £2 is required from the challengers, which will be matched by Crail Golfing Society. The leading challengers at the end of September 2009 will receive a winter ticket entitling them to free golf on either course at Crail from 1st October 2009 to 31st March 2010. In the event of a winner being an overseas resident they may choose one year overseas membership as an alternative to the winter ticket. There will be two levels for men and one for ladies. Scores nett of handicap will be posted for each level and displayed in the Proshop and on www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk.

Keepers of the Green - www.keepersofthegreen.org - is a charity organisation, founded in December 1995, which provides powered mobility for the needy and promotes the traditions of the game. The Craighead Links was the first course designed by American golf course architect, Gil Hanse, who has since produced several award winning courses in the USA as well as receiving many plaudits for the new Castle Stuart course near Inverness.

For more information contact David Roy, Managing Secretary at Crail Golfing Society and President of the Club Managers Association of Europe (Scotland), on 01333 450 686.

Scottish Enterprise Business Insight 2009

2009-03-12T17:33:00.011Z

As part of its Business Insight 2009 programme Scottish Enterprise has secured the services of Bob Morris, Vice Chairman and a Co-Founder of Billy Casper Golf in the USA, for a half day event on Tuesday 21st April at Rufflets Country House, St Andrews.

Since 1989, Billy Casper Golf has developed and managed golf courses for public agencies and private owners throughout the United States. Today the firm's reach stretches from Hawaii to Massachusetts, encompassing more than 100 managed golf facilities, and its PR division promotes dozens of destinations, products and players in the global golf industry.

Bob Morris is responsible for oversight of strategic partnerships, business development and player development. He is an active participant in Golf 20/20 - a collaboration of various segments of the golf industry that is managed by the World Golf Foundation in Florida - as well as many other initiatives.

For more information on how to book click here.

GTS Forum 25th March

2009-03-04T17:41:00.002Z

We are all facing challenging commercial conditions at the moment, to say the least!

In conjunction with the Scottish Tourism Forum we invite you to take part in a golf tourism forum and summit. This is an opportunity to find out what other parts of the industry are saying and for you to air your views as to the priorities and actions required by the private and public sector in the coming months.

Format

The morning will feature the National Golf Tourism Monitor – reports from the 2008 monitor, how it has worked for one golf course operator, interpreting the findings for each course, using results positively and generating ideas for the coming season. The next session will be geared to helping golf courses and tour operators understand each other better, improve working relationships through networking and make future collaborations more productive. The afternoon will then see presentations about current business levels and issues facing the industry, followed by break-out sessions to gather feedback and discuss the possible ways ahead.

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in making a positive contribution to the main issues facing our industry right now. Whether you are a golf club Secretary/Manager, a Director of Golf, hotelier, tour operator, transport provider, someone within a tourism organisation/company with responsibility for marketing or working in the public sector – we need your input!

When, where and how much?

On Wednesday 25th March, at the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick. Registration will commence at 10.00am and the event will finish around 4.45pm. The day-delegate rates are £25 for GTS Members and £40 for non-members, inclusive of buffet lunch and tea/coffee throughout the day.

If you are interested in taking part please complete the Booking Form and return it to Golf Tourism Scotland.

Fife Tourism and Business Conference

2009-02-20T15:23:00.003Z

The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa is the venue for Fife’s annual tourism trade event on Tuesday 31st March.

Titled “Seizing Opportunities, Today and Tomorrow”, the conference is open to delegates located in Fife, or elsewhere, and has attracted an impressive array of speakers, each of whom will inspire delegates with ways to give their businesses every chance of success in these challenging times. In addition to the headline presentations there will also be a series of workshops, a networking lunch and a range of exhibitors. Aimed at business owners, managers, team leaders and supervisors—in fact, anyone who offers a service to customers – the event is organised by Springboard Scotland on behalf of St Andrews World Class Initiative, Scottish Enterprise, Fife Council, VisitScotland and Skills Development Scotland.

Stephen Carter, the former General Manager of St Andrews Bay Resort and now the GM at Cameron House Hotel at Loch Lomond will be the conference chairman. In his 35-year career, he has become recognised as an hotelier with a remarkable passion for the industry and the people within it.

Bob Downie is Chief Executive of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, a position he has held since 1998, since when Britannia has become a five-star visitor attraction, achieving VisitScotland’s highest ever grading percentage mark and recently gaining the 2009 Conde Nast Award for Most Excellent Venue in the UK for corporate events.

Debbie Taylor is General Manager of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa. She arrived in St Andrews in 2007, having formerly held the post of GM at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, and is currently overseeing a major expansion programme at the resort. Debbie is recognised as one of the country’s leading hoteliers and is well-known for her dynamic leadership qualities.

Robin Worsnop is the founder and Managing Director of Rabbie’s Trail Burners, based in Edinburgh. The company, set up in 1993, now operates tours from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and employs over 30 people. RTB has won two Thistle Awards, is a Gold Award holder in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and is classed as a five-star tour company by VisitScotland.

Other speakers and workshop leaders at the event will include Russell Ferguson, a Chartered Marketer who advises businesses on profitable and effective marketing techniques; Sarah Grant, VisitScotland’s Growth Fund Adviser for North and Central Scotland; Jenny Lambie, founder of the Lambie Gilchrist Consultancy, which specialises in helping companies deliver the best possible customer service; and Alan Rankin, who is the Chief Executive of Aviemore and the Cairngorms Destination Marketing Organisation.

The event will commence at 9.30 am (registration from 8.45 am) and conclude at 4.00 pm. The delegate fee (which includes lunch) is £30 inclusive of VAT. To obtain a booking form simply telephone 07724 112954 or e-mail your name and organisation to joanna.parker@scotent.co.uk.

New Business Club - Ryder Cup Opportunity?

2009-02-11T07:55:00.002Z

One of the more taxing issues facing some members of GTS in recent years has been the Ryder Cup and the lack of opportunity to package the event due to restrictions on ticketing distribution. Well The Ryder Cup was certainly mentioned in despatches by the First Minister - whether it will open up new opportunities for tour operators and accommodation providers would be impossible to say but it may still be worth signing up to their newsletter. The website describes the aims as thus:
"BusinessClub Scotland is a new initiative designed to ensure that Scotland’s business community capitalises on the country’s ambitious events programme in the run up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond.
The Club will:

Improve Business Competitiveness
Build Supply Chain Networks
Facilitate procurement around events
Extend reach of existing networks
Provide direct business engagement and targeted networking at events to win business
Develop expertise in event management and delivery

Utilising the strength of Scotland's leading business organisations and supported by the Scottish Government the club aims to engage with businesses across Scotland to maximise the commercial opportunities generated by major events - both at home and abroad.

Based on the experience of other clubs in Australia, the Caribbean and North West England, the club is open to any organisation across Scotland and is free to register

Refresh Design Offer

2009-02-06T13:29:00.001Z

Refresh Design, http://www.refreshdesign.co.uk/ developers of Kingsbarns, Executive Golf & Leisure, GTS and most recently Castle Stuart web sites are now offering fellow GTS members up to 15% discount on any graphic or web design work. Initial consultations are free of charge so please contact Alan Seath on 01383 629948 or email alan@refreshdesign.co.uk

Golf Tourism Monitor Report

2009-01-29T08:55:00.003Z

Whilst the full report has been available on the Golf Monitor website for a few weeks we thought another highlighting of the trends for last year wouldn't go amiss.

April and October are clearly the shoulder months of the main golf tourism season,
with around 500-600 visitor rounds per course on average. Visitor rounds effectively
double to around 1,000 or more per course for the core months of May to September
inclusive.

A similar pattern is apparent in the visitor revenue figures, with average revenue per
course of around £20,000 in April and October, rising to £40-£45,000 from May to
September.

Visitor rounds were 4% down overall for April to October for the 30-40 courses where
direct comparisons with 2007 can be made at this stage. Visitor numbers held up
best in May and September – the two main when rainfall in Scotland as a whole was
below average in what was otherwise a very wet season.

Looking further back, April to October visitor rounds were 29% down for the 23
courses for which direct comparisons can be made with 2005, so this season’s
decline is clearly part of a trend extending over several years.

As shown below, there were wide variations in levels of visitor business among
courses of different types and in different parts of the country over the April to
October period.

For more detail on all of the 2008 reports and schedules for 2009 please visit the Golf Monitor Website

SGU Announce Golf Week

2009-01-27T08:15:00.008Z

According to a report in The Scotsman newspaper, the SGU plans to launch a new campaign aimed at boosting the drop-off in golf club memberships. It is widely expected that soon to be released figures will show a drop off in memberships across the country, with the SGU estimating this would amount to 3% of their membership or approximately 6,000 golfers.

Over the years a number of factors have been cited as contributing to the drop-offs in memberships - with issues such as 2 for 1 discount offers making it more viable to play other courses, increases in costs of subscriptions and for many individuals, simply not having the time to commit to five hours at a weekend to play a round of golf.

The SGU has outlined plans for a 'Scottish Golf Awareness Week' (in mid-April) in an effort to promote the benefits of membership and encourage more people to join a club.

Hamish Grey explained further, "We want to get the message out that you can join a golf club. We are fortunate in having a range of clubs from municipal to world-renowned and I would suggest that anyone who really wants to join a golf club can find a way," he said.

"We are also trying to find ways of rewarding club members as opposed to those golfers who pay and play and we are in the process of launching the Scottish Golf Card, which has been well-received at its initial stages."

Sunday Golf Ban Could Cost Course Funding

2009-01-21T11:25:00.008Z

The headline "Sunday golf ban could cost island course £75,000 grant" has caught the eye, relating to The Isle of Harris golf course's application for public money. Apparently, the application may be rejected because the club is closed every Sunday on religious grounds in line with other public facilities on the island and neighbouring Lewis.

It appears that the national sports agency, SportScotland, says giving taxpayers' money to the organisation could contravene equality legislation because of its refusal to open on the Sabbath. According to The Scotsman, Louise Martin - who chairs the body - said: "SportScotland is mindful of the views and traditions held by many in parts of the Western Isles regarding the opening of sports facilities on Sundays. However, SportScotland also has responsibilities under the 2006 equality legislation to ensure that anything it funds is accessible to all, wherever possible, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, religion or belief …"

The Rev Ruairidh Maclean, minister of the Free Church of Scotland at Leverburgh, Harris, said: "I would not be terribly happy with this and I would imagine a significant proportion of the community would not be happy. I would be very surprised if there were not some people who were keen for it to open, but I would say there is probably still a pretty large proportion of the population who would be very happy to see it continue as it is."

Now this may or may not be a real issue, but we have not heard any major threats being applied to a rather more famous golf course that closes on Sundays for other traditional reasons. Surely all the golf club need to do is suggest that it needs to close on Sundays in order to rest the course?

The money sought from SportScotland represents half the £155,000 cost of improvements to drainage, storage and the clubhouse. Highland and Islands Enterprise and Western Isles Council, the other funders, are not insisting on seven-day opening. All the council-owned sports facilities on Lewis and Harris remain closed on a Sunday, but those in the predominantly Catholic Southern Isles remain open.

Nick Faldo, the former Open champion, played the Harris course in the early 1990s before heading for the US Masters, and described it as "one of the most beautiful settings" for golf. He left a signed £5 note in the honesty box as his green fee, which has been framed and is competed for annually by members.

Drive It Home Launched Today

2009-01-21T10:40:00.010Z

As part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations, VisitScotland's Drive It Home golf programme has officially launched today.

Almost one hundred golf clubs have signed up to the initiative but VisitScotland is still hoping to attract further offers from other clubs, tour operators, accommodation providers & transport providers. Contact Melanie Angus for more information - Melanie.Angus@visitscotland.com.

Visit the Drive It Home website.

National Golf Planning Meeting

2009-01-21T10:30:00.005Z

The second Golf Planning Meeting was held in Edinburgh on Thursday 8th January. This strategy group comprises representatives from all the major public and private bodies involved in Scottish golf – EventScotland, GTS, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Tourism Forum, VisitScotland – and is THE main opportunity for all the organisations to come together, discuss ideas, share information and formulate a joint vision for golf in Scotland:-

1. VisitScotland

At the meeting it was confirmed that GTS Board members Lee Derrick and Fraser Cromarty will be hosting a Scotland golf day for invited agents and other guests prior to PGA Orlando later this month, the event being funded by VS. At GTS’s recommendation VisitScotland has also decided to dispense with the Expo golf event and has offered GTS the opportunity to devise a direct replacement or link the PGA Ambassador programme into the 2009 Annual Awards Dinner. More details to follow in due course. VS also confirmed its attendance at IGTM this year.

2. EventScotland

As part of the Ryder Cup 2014 bid the planning meeting partners can take advantage of promotional and hospitality opportunities at various tournaments this year. The final programme of available events should be available by the end of January, and we will update members at that time.

3. International & UK Brand Plans from VS

The full international plan should be available for review by end of January, but obviously the main thrust is Drive It Home, officially launched today. VS is still actively looking for trade offers and a message to this effect has been circulated to GTS members and is on the blog. GTS has co-branding on the DIH website alongside VS, EventScotland and the SGU etc.

Domestically VS has been spending some time researching and segmenting the home market. Main targets groups will be golfing societies within the UK via offer-led promotions and the encouragement to golfing groups within Scotland to incorporate overnight stays into their trips, rather than just undertake day excursions.

4. Scottish Golf Union

The SGU has requested that information from the GTS-led Golf Tourism Monitor be included in their proposed golf club roadshows throughout February. This provide an opportunity for GTS to reinforce the importance of ongoing data collection, to point out the benefits and proper use of data and may possibly encourage new participants to sign up. The SGU has also expressed interest in collaborating in future GTS forums.

5. Scottish Tourism Forum

As part of GTS’s ongoing review of its relationship with the wider tourism industry through the Scottish Tourism Forum, Iain Herbert of STF was more than happy to publicise future GTS activity throughout Tourism Week in early March. See the STF website for full details of TW.

St Andrews Links Trust Renews Contract

2009-01-16T13:17:00.003Z

St Andrews Links Trust has renewed its contract with Compass Group (UK & Ireland) Ltd to deliver premium tee-time packages on the Old Course.

The contract has been renewed with effect from 2010 and will continue on a rolling basis. Compass Group, trading as the Old Course Experience, currently delivers guaranteed tee-times on the Old Course through premium golf tour programmes packages and handles travel trade tee times.

The arrangement has been of great benefit to the Links in recent years enabling the Links Trust to make substantial investment in the courses and facilities. It has also been instrumental in helping the Links Trust to keep other prices at a lower level than would otherwise be possible. The announcement follows a review of the commercial operations of the Links Trust carried out by consultants.

The review was carefully considered by St Andrews Links Trustees before they decided to continue with the Compass Group arrangement. Alan McGregor, general manager of the Links Trust, said, "The Trustees took time to consider the options available to them and decided that it was clearly in the best interests of the Trust to continue to work with the Compass Group. The arrangement has made it possible for the Trust to invest in the courses and facilities over the years which has resulted in a far better experience for golfers. In a difficult economic climate it is prudent for the Trust to renew the contract going forward."

New Access System for US Visits

2009-01-14T12:40:00.013Z

Whilst not entirely relevant to inbound travel one of the Board members has asked us to highlight the new Travel Authorisation forms required to be completed prior to entry to the United States, as it will impact on any members visiting the US for business purposes.

An article in The Telegraph states that travel groups in the United States fear that the new entry regulations will put travellers off from visiting the country. The US Travel Association, the Washington-based non-profit organisation which represents all sectors of the travel industry, aims to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. But it warned today that the new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) forms, which replace the I-94W forms used by countries with a visa-waiver agreement, have been poorly communicated and do not take into account those people who are not computer-literate. The forms must be completed by British travellers at least 72 hours before departure.

"America’s travel community supports the ESTA for its potential to improve security and increase convenience for travellers from visa waiver countries,” said Roger Dow, President and Chief Executive of the US Travel Association. “However, we are concerned that many of those who must comply with ESTA are not aware of it, do not fully understand what it is, or may be turned away at airports for non-compliance if the new requirements are fully enforced.

Fairmont Members Offer

2009-01-13T14:33:00.006Z

SGU Scottish Golf Card

2009-01-13T11:15:00.002Z

The SGU have recently distributed information to its affiliates regarding a new Scottish Golf Card. GTS are pursuing the potential opportunites this may offer members to put forward offers.
We have created a page for future communications from the SGU on the GTS website but you can have a look at the SGU Golf Card proposal by downloading the document from here.

New Post For Dawson

2009-01-13T09:46:00.000Z

The World Golf Foundation has named Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, as its chairman for 2009. Read more at GolfWeek.com

Tartan Tour Seeks Northern Sponsor

2009-01-13T08:02:00.001Z

According to The Scotsman, "The Scottish region of the PGA, better known as the Tartan Tour, faces a struggle in 2009 to maintain past levels of prize money and playing opportunities for their members."
Gordon Dewar, secretary of the Scottish region, said: "We're determined to maintain the degree of competition our members have become accustomed to. Our two 72-hole championships, the Northern Open and our flagship event, the Gleneagles Scottish Championship, will definitely go ahead but at the moment the Northern, which takes place at the Spey Valley course on the outskirts of Aviemore, is without a sponsor. Needless to say, we in the PGA are actively seeking a replacement, and obviously would be happy to speak to any individual or organisation wishing to come aboard and help sustain a championship that goes back to 1931."

Tourism Innovation Day

2009-01-08T16:54:00.001Z

'Inspiring Success' - designed to help tourism professionals identify opportunities for innovation and growth, the 7th annual Tourism Innovation Day takes place in the brand new event venue at The Glasshouse, Eskmills - 5 minutes by train from central Edinburgh. Inspirational and entertaining experts will speak on how to turn ideas in to reality and success.

The event takes place on 3rd of February and costs £129+VAT per person.

For further information visit www.tourisminnovationday.com or call 0131 557 5767 or e-mail fionamac@eventconsultants.com

Scotland Golf Day Prior to The PGA Show

2009-01-08T16:45:00.003Z

On the Wednesday prior the 2009 PGA Show, Golf Tourism Scotland are organising a ‘Scotland’ branded golf day at The Celebration Golf Course, Orlando, which is being sponsored by VisitScotland in collaboration with GTS.

The day will consist of up to 40 professional individuals representing various sectors of the golfing industry getting together for this Texas Scramble team event, followed by some good food, some good company and the all important prizegiving.

The aim of the event is for Scotland - "The Home of Golf" - to take over a little piece of Orlando for the day to network with and entertain some of those who have supported Scotland with their golfing business over the years as well, of course, as meeting some of those who may send business in the future.

An introductory e-mail has already been sent out to members of NAGTOA, IGTOA and SIGTOA as well as various golf writers and press and other Scottish based golf tour operators and leading industry professionals.

Further e-mails are going out this week to all of the PGA Golf Pro’s who were on the Ambassadors Programme in October as well as those who attended through the Haversham & Baker programme.

Anyone looking for further information should contact fraser.cromarty@golftourismscotland.com

GTS Member Discount for Homecoming Classics

2009-01-08T15:12:00.002Z

GTS members and their guests are being offered a £50 discount off of entry to the 2009 Scottish Homecoming Golf Classics. The four events which feature a number of GTS member courses across Scotland are aimed at the visiting golfer and offer four rounds of golf in a 72 hole handicap stabelford format.

GTS members and a guest can avail of £50 off either the golf or golf and accommodation package which also includes drinks reception, gift pack, prize fund and prizegiving dinner. The four events for 2009 take place in Ayrshire, Dornoch, East Lothian and Fife.

The full programme and information on reservations can be found at www.scottishgolfclassics.com

Drive it Home 2009

2009-01-08T14:47:00.007Z

The countdown is well under way for the official public launch of VisitScotland's Drive it Home golf promotion on Wednesday 21st January. The promotion has attracted almost one hundred golf clubs to sign up but Melanie Angus of VisitScotland is still hoping to attract more clubs as the launch date approaches.

"We're delighted with the response so far from the golf clubs around Scotland but it's not too late for any club who hasn't yet signed up to get involved. We're also keen to secure further offers from tour operators, accommodation providers & transport providers. Best bet is to drop me an email and I'll get back as soon as I can with details."

The launch plans have not yet been finalised but you can assume that sometime before the big Burns Homecoming Event at the end of this month there shall be a public splash. For up to date information on Homecoming Scotland 2009 visit the main Homecoming Scotland website.

Watch this space as they say.

Whisky and Style Offer

2009-01-08T14:40:00.000Z

The deadline of 20th January is approaching for inclusion in the ‘Whisky & Style’ magazine. Coinciding with the Gent Whisky Festival, which takes place in February, this new glossy publication is being launched in Belgium to help promote fantastic whiskies, a whole range of world class luxury goods, top quality foods, travel and classy hotels. Golf will be specifically mentioned and linked to whisky.

VisitScotland have agreed to work with the publication to sponsor a whisky promotion and competition, which sees the winner travelling to Speyside to sample some of the local golden nectar! Whisky & Style would like to feature advertisements mixed with editorial and have indicated that golf would be given specific pages. Further incentive pricing has just been offered to GTS members, representing reductions of 40% on full rates:

Full page = 840 euro instead of 1400
1/2 page = 480 euro instead of 800
1/4 page = 270 euro instead of 450

To find out more please contact Freddy Fierens, Tel: 00 32 4754 94667 or e-mail: freddyf88@gmail.com - referencing this Golf Tourism Scotland member offer.

www.whiskystyle.com

Rhein Golf Opportunity

2009-01-08T14:32:00.003Z

An opportunity has arisen for four partners to attend the Rheingolf show in Cologne between 13-15 February.

This is by far the largest and strongest event in Western Europe outside the UK, which had 27,000 visitors in 2008 (up to 32,000 expected this year) and attracts 500 exhibitors – mainly from Germany and Holland. We have managed to negotiate rates with Golf Scotland Germany of £2000 for regional alliances and £1400 for individual partners (reduced to £1100 for GTS members). These rates include heavy graphic and TV slide show presence, staff passes to the event as well as to all hospitality, and the assistance of Golf Scotland staff on the stand with presentations in German.

Germany now has almost 600,000 golfers!
There are no municipal golf courses in Germany; all are private and memberships range from around EUROS 1,500 to as much as 50,000 per year.
Germany has Europe’s highest level of female golfers.
The typical male German golfer is 49 years of age, has a high expendable income and takes part or books at least one overseas golf trip per year. He is either in a senior management position or is self employed.
His average spend on a week’s golfing trip is EUROS 2,600.
The German golfer enjoys over 30 days paid holiday per year this compares with 20 in the UK and many other countries.
No other European golfer spends as much money or as much time on golf holidays as a German!

For more information or to express your interest contact Lee Derrick or by phone on +44 7949 078 827

Castle Stuart Website Update

2009-01-06T12:02:00.000Z

Castle Stuart Golf Links has now gone live with its newly constructed website which can be found at www.castlestuartgolf.com

Ardgowan Hotel Members' Offer

2009-01-06T09:54:00.001Z

The Ardgowan in St Andrews are offering GTS members special rates this winter. Full details on the offer are now available on the Special offers page on the website.

If you wish to publicise your own offer email info@golftourismscotland with full details

Castle Course Interview

2009-01-06T09:29:00.002Z

Interesting interview in this morning's Scotsman with David McLay Kidd who designed The Castle Course in St Andrews. He justifies its quirks and explains the thought processes behind the development. Good read as it's a course that appears to have split opinion in the industry. What are your thoughts?

New Trustee for St Andrews Links

2009-01-02T08:24:00.002Z

Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell today announced Ken Stewart as the Scottish Ministers representative member to the St Andrews Links Trust.

The St Andrews Links Trust was established in 1974 by a special Act of Parliament to take over the management of the Links from the St Andrews Town Council. The land remains in ownership of the local authority, now Fife Council, but the Act gives complete control of the management of the Links to the Trust.

The Trustees are responsible for setting policy, for new developments and for ensuring that the Links are run in accordance with the 1974 Act. The Links Management Committee is responsible to the Trustees for the day-to-day operation of the golf facilities.

The Trust comprises three nominations from the Council and three from the Royal and Ancient. In addition the local Member of Parliament, currently Sir Menzies Campbell MP, is automatically a Trustee and one is appointed by Scottish Ministers - the post is part-time and unpaid.
The annual turnover of the Trust last year was £12,705,252.

Full story at Scottish Government website

Crail Offer Overseas Life Membership

2008-12-30T11:38:00.002Z

GTS Member, Crail Golfing Society in Scotland, is now introducing overseas membership for life for a single subscription of less than $4,000.

"Crail Golfing Society has always given a special welcome to overseas golfers," said Society Captain Alick Kubrycht. "Life membership provides an opportunity for golfers from all over the globe to become members of this ancient club and to play one of the world's greatest golfing gems for a modest one-off subscription."

The single subscription is £2,500. In return, the lifetime membership fee will entitle overseas members to eight rounds of golf every year in perpetuity. Members will be able to book these rounds up to one year in advance - and bring along golfing partners to take advantage of the eight guest rounds at nominal rates, which are included in the package. In an innovative move, the Society will link overseas members to local members, who will act as guides and "buddies."
Further features of the offer are a concierge service through the Club Manager for last-minute golf bookings on other courses in Scotland and some exclusive merchandise gifts.

Located only 12 miles from the world-famous St. Andrews courses, Crail Golfing Society was founded over two centuries ago, in 1786, and is a traditional Scottish golf club, owned and run by its members. The Society has two courses, Balcomie Links and Craighead Links.

Balcomie Links is renowned as one of the most interesting and testing courses in Scotland. It was redesigned in 1895 by the Old Tom Morris, and its 13th hole, a 217-yard par-3, which plays up a cliff to blind green, is said to be the inspiration for the hole played by Shivas Irons in Michael Murphy's famous book "Golf in the Kingdom." Craighead Links opened in 1998 and was designed by traditionalist golf course architect, Gil Hanse, to present challenging golf and take advantage of the magnificent views.

Demonstrating its confidence in the future, the Society started work in September on a new clubhouse to replace the current aging structure. Listed in Golf World as having one of the best five views in Scotland, the new clubhouse will occupy the same location as the existing building, offering panoramic views of the rocky shoreline and the courses.

"We have taken advantage of the recent change in the value of the dollar to launch this attractive life membership offer," said Kubrycht. "Additional revenue raised will contribute to the clubhouse remodeling costs, improving the facilities still further.

"As we are so close to St. Andrews, overseas members planning to make a trip to Scotland will have a clubhouse base available and rounds of golf for themselves and their friends, around which they can build their trip," he added. "With the Open Championship being at St. Andrews in 2010 and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, only an hour away, four years later, this is a good time to become a member at Crail. "We have recognized that visiting golfers often like to have some local help and knowledge on tap and our 'local friend' program provides just that."

There are 22 golf courses within 20 miles of Crail, including the St. Andrews Links courses - the Old, New, Jubilee, Eden and much-talked-about new Castle Course - Kingsbarns, Dukes, Torrance and Devlin, as well as the traditional Open Championship qualifying courses of Scotscraig, Lundin Links and Ladybank - where all Society members benefit from a 50 percent discount on green fees.

Details of the new Overseas Life Membership option can be found at www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk or by telephoning the Club Manager on +44 (0)1333 450686.

Whisky and Style in Belgium

2008-12-15T14:35:00.002Z

In order to coincide with the Gent, Whisky Festival, which takes place in February 2009, a new publication is being launched in Belgium to help promote a whole range of world class luxury goods and a fantastic range of whiskies. Whisky & Style is a glossy covering amongst other things – assorted gifts, top quality foods, travel and classy hotels. Golf will be specifically mentioned and linked to whisky. If you're looking for more information including rate card and exlcusive discounts visit the GTS Offers Page

Homecoming Scotland Whisky Month

2008-12-12T09:57:00.004Z

Homecoming Scotland Whisky Month, May 2009

An opportunity to promote new Whisky activity to celebrate the Year of Homecoming

Throughout the year, but with a special focus on events in May, Homecoming Scotland is inviting visitors to experience one of Scotland’s greatest treasures – it’s Whisky.

The key aims of Whisky Month are to promote whisky tourism in Scotland and to encourage Homecoming Scotland visitors to experience Whisky activity during May 2009 and also throughout the year. Whisky Month builds on the existing cluster of festivals and activities in May creating a signature series of events and will be promoted by means of a distinctive marketing and publicity campaign in addition to the more general Homecoming campaign which encompasses all Homecoming events and activity.

VisitScotland would like to hear from industry members who wish to take advantage of the opportunity presented by Homecoming Scotland and get involved with Whisky Month.

In particular if you are promoting new Whisky activity during May 2009 or have packages that are relevant to the aims of Whisky Month e.g. activity and events in conjunction with neighbouring distilleries and visitor attractions offering a number of possible attractions for visitors.

Any golf operators or accommodation providers who could benefit from some free publicity by creating whisky related themes to programmes or short breaks? Visit the Homecoming Whisky page for a little more information

Notes of interest in Whisky Month should be registered with Homecoming Scotland by Wednesday 17th December to:

Cristina Armstrong

Project Coordinator
Whisky Month, Homecoming Scotland 2009
E: cristina.armstrong@eventscotland.org

£10M Plans Approved for St Andrews Hotel

2008-12-12T07:25:00.001Z

According to The Herald, St Andrews Golf Hotel yesterday won unanimous approval from Fife Council to almost double its number of rooms to 40 with an extension at the back of the hotel, and also build an underground car park.

Leisure chain Hotel du Vin, which bought the St Andrews Golf Hotel in January this year said the hotel will help safeguard the 60 jobs currently in place and create up to 30 new jobs. The plans include the retention of traditional elements of the hotel including the student bar Ma Bells, the facade will be retained, while other new additions include an external courtyard and bistro.

Read the Herald Article

Fife Council looks for golf partners

2008-12-10T11:57:00.000Z

Fife Council is seeking partners to incorporate into its presence at the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry.

As the host council for the 2010 championship it is allocated exhibit space in the tented village next year. Its main marketing remit for the presence at Turnberry is to drive visitors to the Open Championship in 2010 and gain bookings throughout the area for that period. It is therefore looking for GTS members to promote suitable golfing and accommodation packages that can be promoted within its marketing materials on the stand and website etc.

Packages should cover a variety of budgets and comprise accommodation, rounds of golf, Open tickets or anything different or of interest (i.e. places to eat/things to do). The council is open to ideas and would like to hear from interested potential partners. This is an excellent opportunity for all parties involved to showcase Fife and the opportunities for visitors. There is no charge for GTS members to have their packages included in the aggregated piece of print and website material, so this is therefore a free opportunity to promote any programmes you may be working on for 2010.

If you are interested or would like more information contact Abbie Jessop, Marketing & Communications Officer in the Development Services department of Fife Council.

Telephone 08451 55 55 55 then extension 44 67 94 or email abbie.jessop@fife.gov.uk

Five Star Resort for The Borders

2008-12-09T11:11:00.002Z

According to the national press "Scotland's tourism industry has been given a huge shot in the arm" with the approval of plans for a major golf resort in the Scottish Borders.
Work is sceduled to start within months on the five-star complex, which aims to emulate the success of Gleneagles and Cameron House, after councillors voted to back the £50 million project.
The Scotsman report that the 150-room hotel, leisure club, restaurant and conference centre will be built next to the existing Rutherford Castle Golf Club, in Peebles-shire, which its new owners want to become Scotland's latest championship course.
It is expected to be transformed after the hotel is up and running at the end of 2010 and it is hoped the complex will attract about 100,000 visitors a year.
Manor Kingdom Estates, the property developer which has joined forces with De Vere on the West Linton scheme, has pledged it will create the first "truly world-class" resort in the Borders. Mark Cummings, a spokesman, said: "We believe our hotel will represent what the Scottish Borders aspires to offer its locals and its visitors over and above the mainstream available in central Scotland and that the Scottish Borders, if not Scotland as a whole, will benefit from this investment and new employment opportunities."
A spokesman for VisitScotland, which says Scottish golf tourism is worth about £300 million, said: "This is excellent news for the Scottish Borders. Capital investment and market positioning as a quality destination are vitally important to the tourism industry, with this project addressing both of these important drivers for success."
Full article at The Scotsman

VisitScotland Drive it Home Offer to GTS Members

2008-12-01T13:53:00.003Z

VisitScotland is now inviting the golf tourism sector to sign up to the “Drive It Home” promotion.
The promotion will be run during 2009 and target golfers worldwide. There will be a specific golf consumer campaign in both the USA and Sweden, while other markets will utilise PR, trade and direct marketing via various organisations’ databases. Whilst true that GTS expressed concerns about the promotional planning process in the early stages we have been involved in shaping the detail over the past few months and therefore encourage all members to support the promotion as fully as they feel able to.
How can you get involved? Three websites have been developed by VS for travel deals and will cover the North American market, Sweden and the Rest of World. Offers will appear on all three websites, unless a participant specifies otherwise, and they fall into the following categories:
1. Tour operator packages.
2. Accommodation.
3. Car Hire.
4. Things to See and Do – visitor attractions, whisky distilleries, restaurants etc.
If you are interested, please complete the attached booking form and return it, plus an image or logo, to Tara Baker at VisitScotland by Monday 8th December. There is NO CHARGE for GTS members to have their offers included on the websites (non-members will pay a minimum of £30.00). We will send an updated membership list to VS by 8th December, so they can cross-reference it with any applications. Unfortunately, if your GTS membership subscription is overdue at that time then you will be unable to take advantage of the free listing.

Bistro and spa for Dornoch Castle Hotel?

2008-11-28T14:20:00.002Z

According to an article in The Northern Times GTS members and Dornoch Castle owners Colin and Roz Thompson have lodged a planning application to build an 11-bedroom extension to the hotel.

"The enterprising couple also want permission to construct a new bistro and to convert a building at the bottom of the hotel garden into a spa. The development marks a substantial investment for Dornoch and will be welcomed locally."

As the industry well knows fears were raised only last year that a lack of bed spaces in the town would have an effect on golf tourism to the area given that both The Burghfield and The Royal Golf are closed.
With work about to start on the Burghfield House Hotel to turn it into a hospitality training centre for the North Highland College. and the 24-bedroom Royal Golf Hotel, bought earlier this year by a consortium of businessmen headed by David Sutherland, chairman of Tulloch Homes, has now been closed for two years.
"There is a difference between applying for planning permission and going ahead with a project," said Colin Thompson. "We're confident the market is there, but obviously undertaking such a project will involve us borrowing money. We'll be proceeding with extreme caution and prudence and have not set a timeline given current economic events. Once planning consent is granted, it stays in force for five years and I'd like to think everything will be done well inside that time frame."

Mr Thompson said he would be working closely with Historic Scotland and planners in order to ensure construction and design work was in tune with the history of the castle. The building is thought to date back to the late 15th century and to have been built as the residential palace of the Bishops of Caithness.

Grant Sword Joins Castle Stuart Golf

2008-11-28T10:47:00.004Z

Mark Parsinen, Managing Partner of Castle Stuart Golf LLP, has announced the addition of Grant Sword, former Managing Director of Morton Hotels, to Castle Stuart’s partnership. Parsinen said that Grant Sword, whose family hotel company owned and operated four hotels (The Golf View and Newton in Nairn, the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, and Westerwood in Glasgow), will be involved in all aspects of Castle Stuart’s business with a particular focus on the hotel, spa, and resort-ownership elements, all of which are in their early phases of development planning.
Castle Stuart Golf has completed a recent limited ‘preview golf’ programme. The programme has introduced the links course (scheduled to open next July) to local Highland golf clubs, golf tour operators, golf journalists, course managers, and friends of the project.
November marks a return to a singular focus of preparing for next July’s opening. Grant Sword will be involved in that preparation as well as the planning for future hotel, spa and resort-ownership development.
“Grant Sword is well known and highly regarded in the golf and hotel sector of Scottish tourism,” said Parsinen. “I have known Grant for six years and am privileged to have him join me in the management of Castle Stuart. We are excited about our future but intend to take it one step at a time. Grant will help us make these steps sure and steady.”
Parsinen emphasised that Sword and he are committed to working closely with all Highland golf-related businesses to help make the region an increasingly attractive destination in the world of international golf tourism. “The Highlands are already one of the most sought out destinations in Scotland,” Parsinen said. “And we’d like to be an additional asset for the region.”

Fraser Cromarty
Marketing & Sales Director
Castle Stuart Golf LLP
Tel: 01463 219822
Email: fcromarty@castlestuartgolf.com

Grant Sword
Partner
Castle Stuart Golf
Tel: 01463 219819
Email: gsword@castlestuartgolf.com

KPMG Golf Travel Report Published

2008-11-20T13:11:00.002Z

KPMG Golf Advisory Practice has published its Golf Travel Insight report for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, revealing Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Dubai are seen as golf tourism's future hot spots.
The study, which surveyed more than 80 specialist golf tour operators in 21 countries was conducted in spring 2008 reveals that Portugal and Spain are predicted to be the most popular destinations with some surprising destinations catching up fast.
It's not good news for established golf destinations such as Scotland and Ireland, however, where operators expect stagnation in inbound golf tourism.
Read more on the report.

GTS Dinner Photographs

2008-11-20T10:53:00.002Z

The images are now available for download from the gallery section. The images can be downloaded as high resolution for print.

Golf Tourism Scotland Awards 2008

Rain Affects Golf Courses Shocker!

2008-11-19T08:42:00.002Z

Strange kind of article for The Scotsman to run but it's about golf in Scotland - and rain! According to The Scotsman heavy rain is adversely affecting Scotland's golf courses. It's certainly a serious revenue issue and one that the GTS managed Golf Tourism Monitor has highlighted over the past six months.
Mike Williamson who oversees the Monitor states that "Its a pretty obvious parallel and that the months where less rain fell the numbers went up. It's quite a clear statistical corelation but rounds played in May and September were up; June July and August were down as rain fell."
There isn't any enough overall information to make clear forecasts but it does question the myth that the weather doesn't affect golf tourism on the basis that rounds are booked months in advance and the weather doesn't impact on that decision. The clear indications are that the weather is impacting on the substantial sector of the market that plans short term or on impulse when here. Perhaps more than we budget for?
Full article at The Scotsman online

Event for Dundonald

2008-11-18T08:15:00.000Z

Dundonald Links in Ayrshire is to stage the 2009 Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship on June 16 to 19. It will be the first time in since 2003 and only the sixth time in the tournament's 36-year history that it has been staged in Scotland.

2008-11-14T14:59:00.003Z

The Annual Awards dinner for Golf Tourism Scotland took place at Cameron House on Loch Lomond last night. The prizewinners are listed below and a full release will be issued on the website with high resolution images.

Golf Course of the Year is awarded to the golf course that has provided the very best overall experience for visiting golfers.

Those nominated this year were:

Ailsa Course, Turnberry
Balcomie Links, Crail
Carnoustie Championship Course
Castle Course, St Andrews
Downfield, Dundee
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Nairn West
Royal Troon Old Course
West Links, North Berwick
Western Gailes
Old Course, St Andrews

The winner was...

The Ailsa Course, Turnberry

Golf Secretariat of the Year is awarded to the secretariat that has provided the most efficient, friendly and helpful reservations service over the course of the year. Needless to say, the job of the tour operator, or anyone else that books tee-times for clients and guests, would be much more difficult but for the professional staff now found at most golf courses.

Those nominated this year are:

Carnoustie Golf Links
Crail Golfing Society
Golspie Golf Club
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Nairn Golf Club
The North Berwick Golf Club

The Golf Secretariat of the Year award went to…

Kingsbarns Golf Links

The third award was given to the Caddie Master who has provided the best caddie service over the course of the year.

The following individuals had been nominated:

Stan Craig, Prestwick Golf Club
Sam Fox, North Berwick Golf Club
David Gilchrist, Kingsbarns Golf Links
Martin Roy, Carnoustie Golf Links

The recipient for 2008 was...

Martin Roy

The Hotel of The Year in the Small Hotel/Guest House Category is awarded to the best small hotel or guest house. Nominations were open to properties with 20 or fewer bedrooms. This category specifically excludes country house hotels.

Those nominated this year were:

Ardgowan Hotel, St Andrews
Dunvegan Hotel, St Andrews
Highgrove House Hotel, Troon
Hotel Broughty Ferry
The Nether Abbey Hotel, North Berwick
Old Course Hotel, Prestwick
Open Arms, Dirleton

The winner was…

The Ardgowan Hotel

Hotel of the Year in the Country House Hotel Category is awarded to the best hotel or exclusive-use property, regardless of the number of rooms.

Those nominated this year were:

Culloden House, Inverness
Fenton Tower, near North Berwick
Glenmorangie House near Tain
Green Craig, Aberlady
Greywalls Hotel, Gullane
Lochgreen House, Troon
Rufflets Country House, St Andrews

The winner was...

Rufflets Country House

Hotel of The Year in the Large Hotel Category is awarded to the best large hotel, i.e. those with more than 20 rooms. This category specifically excludes Country House & Resort Hotels.

Nominated this year were:

Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
The Bonham, Edinburgh
Dornoch Castle Hotel, Dornoch
Golf View Hotel, Nairn
Inn at Lathones near St Andrews
Lundin Links Hotel
Macdonald Marine Hotel and Spa, North Berwick
Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews
Royal Marine Hotel, Brora
Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
South Beach Hotel, Troon
Western House Hotel, Ayr

The winning hotel was...

The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa

The Hotel of The Year in the Resort Hotel Category is awarded to the best Resort Hotel, regardless of number of rooms.

Nominated this year:

Fairmont St Andrews
The Gleneagles Hotel
The Green Hotel, Kinross
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa
Turnberry Resort

Resort Hotel of the Year for 2008 was…

Fairmont St Andrews

Transport Operator of the Year is presented to the operator that has consistently provided the highest standards of operation within Scotland over the course of the year. Nominations for this category were open to any business providing transport services including rail, road, air and sea.

The 2008 nominees for this category were as follows:

Capercaillie Travel
Courtney Travel
First Class Travel
Kintyre Express
MacMur Tours
Prestwick International Airport
Ryanair
St Andrews Executive Travel
Woods Coaches

This year’s winner was...

Kintyre Express

Tour Operator of the Year – nominations for this category were open to any tour operator bringing golfers to Scotland who provided a quality support service for the visitor or travel trade.

Those nominated for the award this year:

Adventures In Golf
Carr Golf Travel
Golf Scotland
Haversham & Baker
Links Golf St Andrews
PerryGolf

Tour Operator of the Year was…

Haversham & Baker

And, last but absolutely not leastwas the Young Industry Person Award.

This award was first presented in 2006 and, once again, has been kindly sponsored by our host venue.

The individuals nominated required to be under 30 years of age, be connected through employment with a public tourism body or a Golf Tourism Scotland Member Company, and be actively involved in golf related tourism in Scotland. The award seeks to identify young people who are dynamic, who add vitality to the industry and who have the potential to play an important future role in the developing of Golf Tourism in Scotland.

The following individuals were nominated and interviewed:

Grant Cooper, Retail Supervisor, Kingsbarns Golf Links
Leanne Lawrie, Tour Co-ordinator, Links Golf St Andrews
Fraser Liston, Golf Retail & Operations Supervisor, Fairmont St Andrews
Alexander Macdonald, Head Greenkeeper at Golspie Golf Club
Caroline Price, Client Services Manager, Drumgolf

This Year’s Young Industry Person of the Year award went to…

Alexander Macdonald, Golspie Golf Club

Three Awards for Castle Course

2008-11-12T22:48:00.003Z

The Castle Course in St Andrews has received three prestigious international awards in its inaugural season.

The course has been recognised by Travel & Leisure Golf magazine in America as the New Course of the Year. It was also named International Development of the Year by Golf Inc magazine in America pipping the Els Club in Dubai to the title.

In August, the course was recognised by the Institute of Groundsmanship, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and some leading turfcare journalists as the 2008 Turf Professional Project of the Year.

The Castle Course opened for play on 28 June and after only a few months was included in the authoritative Golf World Top 100 rankings an impressive achievement for a new golf course.

By 31 October when it closed down for the winter, 14,000 rounds had been played on The Castle Course and bookings have already been coming in for its first full season from April 1 to October 31 next year.

As the seventh course at the Home of Golf, The Castle Course has attracted a great deal of media interest from around the world since the project started and an international naming competition for the course was held through the St Andrews Links website www.standrews.org.uk.

Alan McGregor, general manager of the Trust, said, “For a new golf course to receive this level of recognition at such an early stage is quite remarkable. When we began working with the architects David Kidd and Paul Kimber we knew we were going to create a special course but I don’t think anyone realised just how dramatic and eye-catching it was going to be.

“It has been a successful first half-season with many golfers from near and far playing the course. We have received a large amount of positive feedback and, it is fair to say, some questions about the challenging nature of the course. We had always anticipated making some changes as the course matures and we will be working on it over the winter. But overall we are absolutely delighted with how the course is progressing and we are looking forward to next season.”

The Castle Course sits on a spectacular clifftop location overlooking the ancient town of St Andrews. It has been designed as a links-like course with undulating fairways and landforms and crisp, sandy lies. Over the winter some of the mounds in the fairways will be cut back and reduced and some adjustments will be made to the green surrounds on a few holes.

As well as adding to the golf offering in St Andrews, The Castle Course has brought economic benefits to the town creating jobs for 40 people across the greenkeeping, reception, retail and food and beverage departments and helping to encourage visitors to stay longer and play more golf.

Tee times for The Castle Course from 1 April to 31 October, 2009 can be booked by contacting 0044 1334 466666 or emailing reservations@standrews.org.uk.

East Lothian Golf Plans Approved

2008-11-08T13:29:00.000Z

EAST LOTHIAN Courier reports that the area’s economy could be set for a near £3 million boost after councillors gave the green light to the county’s first golf and leisure resort.

On Tuesday, planning committee members voted 12-1 to approve outline consent for a revised application by Whitekirk Golf and Country Club Ltd (WGCC). The multi-million pound project, which could be up and running by 2012, will feature a second 18-hole course at Whitekirk, a 100-bedroom hotel, a new clubhouse, 21 holiday lodges and 42 houses.

It will create 150 jobs and generate an estimated £2.7 million for the local economy annually.
East Lothian Provost, Councillor Sheena Richardson, declared: “There is no question our tourism industry requires a development such as this.”

Golf and tourism operators have also hailed the decision, which comes just 18 months after an original application was rejected. Then, the planning committee determined it was unsustainable and damaging to the environment.

This time, councillors agreed with their officials’ view that the scheme would be viable in the long term and that environmental concerns had been addressed. However, opponents claim the proposed development – which will double the number of homes in Whitekirk – will destroy the character of the historic village.