Kirkcaldy’s Karin takes over the hotseat for Scottish Golf

Karin is taking over the hotseat in her current role as Chief Operating Officer following the resignation of Andrew McKinlay.

A former pupil of West Primary and Balwearie High School, Karin moved into the golfing industry after more than two decades with the Bank of Scotland, mainly in the corporate and commercial division in Fife and Edinburgh.

Throughout her career she continued with her golfing activities, a sport she has played for the best part of her life. “I started when I was six or seven so it was a fairly early introduction to the game,” said Karin.

“My parents were fairly new to the sport at the time. I’m one of four and because they were enthusiastic we were all taken onto the golf course of a Sunday evening and it got us all hooked.”

A member of Kirkcaldy Golf Club for 40 years, Karin says her finest achievement in the game is the friendships she has made along the way.

“I am fortunate in that I have managed to play to a reasonably high standard.

“I competed at Fife level and I won the club championship at Kirkcaldy a number of times, but really, what I enjoy about golf the most is the camaraderie.

“All my achievements have been fantastic but for me it’s all about the friendships.

“That’s more of a stand out across the years than any of my playing achievements have been.”

Karin was made redundant in 2012 before an opportunity arose later the following year with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association as Chief Operating Officer.

“From there I was heavily involved in the amalgamation process with the gents body in 2015 for the creation of Scottish Golf and was able to bring my commercial experience into the golfing industry.

“Despite the challenges we all face at the moment with the lockdown, I am excited at this opportunity.

“Golf will have to change coming out of it, but it’s a sport that can be at the heart of communities.

“It’s a sport that has been my passion all my life. It’s one that the whole family can play. That’s how I was brought into it and I’ve done the same with my own kids.

“I think now there is an opportunity for the sport to thrive when we return to normality.”