The Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort, in Cumbernauld, has appointed a new head greenkeeper following the retirement of his predecessor who spent almost 30 years at the club.
Award-winning Mark Cummine has moved from Buchanan Castle GC, in Drymen, to succeed 68-year-old Tam Sutherland, who stood down in October and had a bridge named in his honour by the club.
Cummine was the recent recipient of a British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Scottish Region patrons’ award in recognition of his continued commitment to developing his skills in greenkeeping and the success he has already achieved in more than 26 years in the profession.
Paul Bray, general manager at The Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort – a member of QHotels, the UK’s largest golf resort operator – said: “Mark has already made a positive impact with the members with the improvements he has made to the course as well as improved communication.
“Moving into the new season Mark’s focus will be to continue to focus on the aesthetic appearance and playability of the golf course, to continue to develop his team to deliver excellence, and to engage with members regularly to build a strong rapport and encourage dialogue.”
Potential members can discover Cummine’s influence at The Westerwood for themselves at two forthcoming open days. Guests will be able to enjoy a complimentary round of golf and experience the club’s facilities on Saturday, April 2 or Sunday, May 1 – from 9am to 1pm – and a membership advisor will be on hand to discuss Westerwood’s extensive range of member benefits and membership options.
With almost 100 new members having joined in the last year, the open days are bound to prove popular so booking – through the golf shop – is essential.
The Westerwood, one of 10 QHotels golf resorts across England and Scotland, is situated in acres of spectacular grounds, with a golf course co-designed by one of the world’s greatest golfers: Severiano Ballesteros.
Working with the equally revered golf designer Dave Thomas, the legendary Spaniard created a course that is as challenging as it is beautiful, as it meanders through silver birches, firs and heather, offering stunning views towards the picturesque Campsie Hills.
The signature hole, the par-three 15th – created by Ballesteros and known as the Waterfall hole – requires a tee-shot from an elevated tee to a green surrounded by a 60ft rock face. It’s not for the faint hearted and nor are the undulating moorland greens which test one’s mettle when standing over those nervy four-foot putts.
The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/the-westerwood-hotel-golf-resort
QHotels www.QHotels.co.uk