Historic Scottish golf club permanently closes

An Edinburgh golf club that was over 100 years old has closed down – with reports suggesting that its membership had fallen to just 20 people.

Carrick Knowe Golf Club had hit ‘acute financial difficulties’ according to Edinburgh Evening News, which had seen the facility struggling ‘to pay its creditors’.

The 18-hole venue was established in 1905.

A statement on the club’s website reads: ‘It is with great regret that the remaining members of Carrick Knowe Golf Club have made the difficult decision to close the club.

‘Our membership numbers have steadily reduced in recent years and resulted in a situation where it is not viable to continue, in a competition or financial capacity.

‘Closing at this time will ensure that all our creditors can be paid and for our premises to be handed over to The City of Edinburgh Council.

‘Therefore, Carrick Knowe Golf Club will cease to exist as of 11th November 2018.

‘Thank you to all who have supported us over the years.’

The newspaper added that the golf club was down to just 20 members when the decision was taken to shut its doors.

Norman Burns, who had been a member for more than a decade, said: “The membership had been slowly dwindling. I would say it is just a sign of time in golf.”

Some of those left without a club have already joined the neighbouring Carrickvale Golf Club, which also uses the Edinburgh Leisure-managed Carrick Knowe course that remains open.

Carrickvale secretary John Pow said: “The Carrick Knowe committee spoke to us about a couple of months ago to say that it was highly likely they were going to have to call it a day and what would our reaction be to their guys coming over.

“We were more than happy to take them on as we have known most of the guys for a number of years. It was never an issue. Currently, we have had eight of their playing members join and we are expecting a few more.”

Former Scottish Golfer of the Year, Scott Knowles, added: “Carrick Knowe was where I was taught the game by my dad Louis, who was a member, before going to Kingsknowe.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Leisure said: “The decline in golf club membership nationally is something Edinburgh Leisure courses are not immune to.

“However, given that you don’t have to be a club member to enjoy playing golf and that over 65 per cent of Edinburgh Leisure’s season-ticket holders choose not to join traditional clubs, it perhaps reflects the trend towards more casual or nomadic golf.

“Further to this, the Edinburgh Leisure Golf Club has 130 members and rising which offers medals and handicaps without the ‘fuss’ of the traditional club. Some 227 customers have signed up to our ‘Winter’ season or ‘Full’ season membership since October 1 and our usage data does demonstrate that Edinburgh Leisure’s courses are providing a quality product at an attractive price point.

“Golf clubs and courses must change the offer to attract new users, particularly women, young people and families. Edinburgh Leisure is keen to ensure golf continues to be made accessible to Edinburgh residents and we are making playing the game an easy option.

“Consequently, clubs must realise that not to change and look to the future, could place them at risk. Edinburgh Leisure is working with clubs and will support them wherever it is practical to do so.”