An impressive 16% increase in the sales of Freedom of the Fairways Golf passes in 2000 has emphasised the continuing success of this scheme which attracts around 3,000 golfers to the Scottish Borders each year.
Announcing the results at this week’s meeting of the 21 participating clubs, Scottish Borders Tourist Board Chief Executive, Riddell Graham said “Given the general downturn in tourism this year an increase of 16% in demand for the pass, emphasises what can be achieved through effective marketing and makes Freedom of the Fairways the most popular tourist golf pass in Scotland. Under the arrangement all the proceeds, this year in excess of £150,000, is returned to the clubs with local accommodation providers expected to have benefited to the tune of £800,000 from overnight stays and meals.
Awards for the most visitor friendly courses, selected by golfers participating in the scheme, were made at the meeting. The winner in the 18 hole category was Minto Golf Club near Hawick while in the 9 hole category the winner was St Boswells Golf Club, Melrose.
Representatives who attended the meeting agreed unanimously to welcome the new course at Cardrona near Innerleithen into the scheme in 2001, when it would be fully open for play, and also set the fees for next year. The 5 day pass (10 rounds) was set at £80 and the 3 day pass (6 rounds) at £55.