Brora Golf Club is reflecting on a significant year that saw the club make the historic purchase of their land, grow membership and line up strong advanced visitor bookings for 2022.
The renowned Highland links, which saw its future safeguarded during the challenges of Covid-19 thanks to a dedicated campaign supported globally, is pleased to be on a sound financial footing heading into the new year.
Having asked for help in 2020 before going on to raise a six-figure sum through new membership categories, advance tee time bookings, merchandise sales and website donations, Brora used the money wisely to secure their safety and build on that support in 2021. Back in March, the club achieved the milestone purchase of the land on which the historic links sits.
To fittingly celebrate their 130th year, the club completed four years of work to buy the land from Sutherland Estates thanks to the backing of members. Brora are no longer tenants on the stunning linksland – giving them greater financial security and surety of access for ever more.
Given Brora only boasts a small number of local members in a remote part of Scotland, imaginative new membership categories such as Lifetime Membership, The Tern Club and Platinum Membership have continued to draw new members from across the globe.
In 2021, membership has grown from around 600 to over 850 and includes members worldwide. Over 3,900 rounds were played in member competitions in 2021, an increase of 25% on pre-pandemic levels. Participation in those competitions also increased by 80% from 2019. Almost 1,300 visitors also took the opportunity to play Brora in Open competitions in 2021.
President Andy Stewart said: “It has been a challenging 18 months or so for everyone in society and our club at Brora has been no different. We thank everyone for the love and support they have shown to the golf club. Our staff and club committee deserve a special mention as they have remained professional and supportive throughout this year, given the continued disruptions from Covid-19.
“Despite the challenges, we are on a sound footing and are looking forward to a bumper year ahead based on advanced visitor bookings. There has also been a very impressive growth in retail income and that is a credit to PGA Pro Malcolm Murray and his team. I really believe the future is bright for Brora Golf Club.”
On the course, 2021 was also a success as Brora won the Northern Counties Cup for the first time since 1985 and only for the third time in their history. Brora GC, situated only an hour from Inverness, boasts a proud history and enjoys a notable link with five-time Open champions – from James Braid, who redesigned the course in 1923, to honorary members Tom Watson and the late Peter Thomson.
With a par of 70, it was described by Thomson, as “one of the finest natural links courses I have had the pleasure of playing.”
For more information on Brora Golf Club, please visit: https://broragolfclub.co.uk/