Golf club feels the effects after successful Open

An extra 1000 rounds were played at the venerable, 229 year old golf club.

This ensured the club enjoyed a busy summer season as top golfers and fans arrived in the Kingdom for the Major championship.

While focus was centred on the Old Course, golf clubs across the area felt a strong ripple due to the swell of numbers.

“We always get a strong boost from an Open at St Andrews, but this year was exceptional,” said Society captain David Maiden.

“It continued all July and for the rest of the season.

“Most of the extra rounds were played on our Balcomie Links course, as the members agreed that visitors should be given priority for the tee times during Open week.

“In addition, however, we also had a great many extra visitors on our newer, Craighead Links course.

It was not only visiting amateurs who couldn’t resist the lure of Crail’s ancient history with famous professionals also attracted to the challenge.

“We were delighted to see the former ladies’ world number one golfer, American Nancy Lopez, former Open winner and US Ryder Cup team captain, Tom Lehman, and four time USPGA tour winner J B Holmes playing here..

“They were all full of praise for the course conditions and for the fun they had had.”

Crail Golfing Society has invested substantial sums in recent years in improvements to its courses, the clubhouse and its internet presence.

“We can’t stand still and further, major investment is planned, particularly for a new irrigation system for Balcomie,” said David.

Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golf club in the world and was founded in 1786.

Its Balcomie Links course was laid out by old Tom Morris and opened in 1895 and its Craighead Links course was designed by Gil Hanse and opened in 1998.

The society is a traditional members’ club with 1400 members worldwide.