Crail makes more history as Max is appointed new captain

Max Baillie, at 27 years of age, is believed to be one of the youngest currently acting in the role as captain in some 550 clubs under the Scottish Golf umbrella.

Historically, Max is the youngest to accept the Crail captaincy reins since the Society’s first captain, William Ranken, in 1786, who was aged 28.

Max was the unanimous vote of the members at a recent Zoom AGM.

He takes over the captaincy role from Jim McArthur, former chairman of the R&A’s championship committee and a past chairman of CONGU.

Jim had been captain from 2018-2020 and helped steer the club, and like all clubs in the UK and around the world, through troubled times, before not witnessed since WW2.

Max served under Jim as vice-captain and has confidently accepted the role with restrictions still in place across Scotland, with no certainty when they will be fully lifted, and with many clubs also continuing to struggle financially in the nearly 10 months since the initial lockdown.

“Crail Golfing Society has always been a very special place to me,” said the new captain. “This club has provided me with so much throughout my life, both personally and professionally, and I am relishing the opportunity to captain such a historic society and give back to a place which means so much to me.

“The spirit at Crail Golfing Society has always been one of friendliness and pride.

“As with all clubs in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom, we are facing numerous daily challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“However, it is only with the continued support of such a loyal membership and a dedicated and professional team that we will ensure the society is positioned for a successful exit from the effects of the current situation, and we can soon warmly welcome back all our members and visitors alike.

“To hold such a distinguished position is a true honour, and I look forward to working closely with the society’s management committee, members and Crail team over the coming years.

“Until to then, Crail GS remains strongly confident the ancient game can continue to set the best examples of social-distancing practices, so that golf will also emerge stronger for what has transpired for already much of this year.”

Max joined the club as a 12-year-old in 2005 and captured three Junior Club Championships.

The four-handicapper also claimed the Gents Club Handicap Championship in 2011.