Former European Tour player Murray Urquhart is to lead a drive to enhance Nairn Golf Club’s junior programme as part of a new role as full-time teaching professional at the internationally-renowned club.
Murray, who has been a PGA professional for 17 years and was a full-time competitive player for seven years, has joined Nairn from Spey Valley Golf Course in Aviemore.
One of Scotland’s leading teaching professionals, he will assist Nairn’s 1,300 members and 110-strong junior section, as well as visitors to the Moray Firth club, which has hosted both the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup and this year will be the venue for the 2016 Men’s Home Internationals competition.
Nairn is also part of Highland Golf Links which promotes golf tourism in the Highlands and offers Play and Stay packages in association with leading hotels in the area.
The post provides something of a homecoming for Murray who was a Nairn member as a youngster and practiced at the club when he became a touring professional.
He said: “I am delighted to be involved with such a vibrant members’ club and one that is so popular 12 months of the year. It is a great opportunity to engage with the members, help them play better golf and enjoy their game more. My role will also enhance the experience of players visiting Nairn.
“In addition, a major focus for me will be to take forward the junior programme, to work on their game and improve the pathway for young players from pre-teenage years to competitive golf. For me, teaching is the next best thing to playing and it’s an exciting prospect to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career to help people to improve their skills.
“Being such a busy and well known club, both national and internationally, it is important we have a good professional service here.”
Murray said another attraction for him in taking up the post is the excellent range of facilities at Nairn: “The club has a great driving range, pitching area and putting green, plus a fantastic nine-hole course which is good for younger players and beginners.
“We also have the indoor swing studio and simulator, where we can work on players’ games when the weather is not so good.”
Murray, who was also previously attached to Inverness Golf Club, played on the European Tour, the European Challenge Tour and South African Sunshine Tour. He competed in the 2005 Open Championship at St Andrews and won the Northern Open at Skibo in 2007.
Fraser Cromarty, CEO at Nairn Golf Club and chairman of Highland Golf Links, said: “We are excited about bringing Murray on board and having his vast experience as a player and teaching pro to help our members and visitors. He will improve their games and enhance the golf experience for all, whether junior, senior, beginner or scratch player and will undoubtedly be a huge asset to the club.”
Nairn Golf Club www.nairngolfclub.co.uk
Highland Golf Links www.highlandgolflinks.com