Winter Newsletter
Captain's Winter Newsletter
Dear Members,
As we move into the winter months, we would like to update you on several important developments at the club, including staffing matters, changes to our management structure, committee updates, clubhouse operations, progress on the Ladies Clubhouse project, continued investment in the golf course, and details of our forthcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Staffing Update
After an extended period attempting to secure suitable family accommodation in Campbeltown for our incoming Hospitality Manager, we have reluctantly had to re-advertise the position. This follows a strong recruitment process earlier in the year, and while disappointing, we remain committed to appointing the right candidate to support our growing hospitality operation.
We are also pleased to confirm that Helen has commenced an 18-month Hospitality Leadership course with Argyll College. On completion, we hope Helen will be able to progress into a Junior Management role within the club, strengthening our internal management capacity. We wish her every success with her studies.
Management Structure Review
As the club has grown significantly in recent years, both operationally and in terms of visitor numbers, the Committee has reviewed the overall management structure and the increasing workload placed on volunteer committee members.
As a result, we are delighted to announce the promotion of Alison Kelly from her current role as Staff Relations and Finance Officer to Club Manager.
In this position, Alison will have full responsibility for:
• All clubhouse operations & facilities management
• Finance & Business management
• Marketing & communications
Alison will report directly to the Committee. Direct management responsibility for the golf course and the Club Professional will remain with the Committee. However, the Club Manager will maintain a dotted-line relationship with both the Club Professional and the Head Greenkeeper for administrative and coordination purposes.
Committee Update
We are delighted to announce that Alistair Tait has agreed to join the Committee and will take on the role of Finance Convener. As the business element of the club continues to develop, it is extremely valuable to have someone with Alistair’s experience and expertise contributing at Committee level. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Committee.
Clubhouse & Restaurant Update
We have recently undergone an inspection by our local Licensing Board, and we are pleased to report a very positive outcome. As our licence is for a private members’ club, all guests must be signed in by a member. Members are therefore asked to please use the visitor signing-in book, located on the bar counter when entering the bar and restaurant area. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
January and February are traditionally a quieter period for both the course and the bar/restaurant. During this time, member support is particularly important, and we encourage you to make use of the clubhouse, whether that’s calling in for coffee and cake, lunch, or dinner. We will also be advertising menu specials and themed offerings, so please watch social media postings for details.
Please note that the bar and restaurant will be closed on 2nd, 3rd and 4th February. This closure will allow us to complete first aid training for all staff, carry out cleaning to kitchen duct and ventilation systems, and undertake the re-coating of the hardwood floor.
Ladies Clubhouse Progress
Work on the Ladies Clubhouse is progressing at full steam. The structure for the bedroom extension is now erected, and we hope it will not be too long before the building is fully wind and water tight. This marks an exciting stage in a project that will significantly enhance our facilities.
We are also pleased to confirm the appointment of an Interior Designer, who will work closely with a subgroup of members to establish the interior decoration and furniture scheme. This collaborative approach will ensure the finished space reflects both the heritage and future aspirations of the club.
On The Course
This year has seen record visitor play, with just over 6,500 visitor rounds recorded on the course. In addition, our Open competitions were extremely well supported, with all events running at over 90% capacity. While this level of demand is very encouraging, it has inevitably resulted in increased wear and tear across all areas of the course, particularly tees, fairways, and greens.
These figures underline the importance of maintaining and presenting the course to the highest possible standard. As outlined in previous newsletters, we engaged Robert Patterson of Grassman Turf Solutions to support this objective. Robert visited the course again in November, and we are pleased to report that his feedback was very positive, reflecting the excellent work being carried out by Craig and the greenkeeping team.
We are also pleased to advise that a Course Report from Craig, Head Greenkeeper, and Simon, Assistant Head Greenkeeper, is attached to this newsletter. This report provides a positive and informative overview of current course conditions, recent work undertaken, and plans for the coming months. This style of report has now been established and will be communicated seasonally to members, providing greater insight into course management throughout the year.
The strong income generated from visitor golf and competitions has also allowed the club to continue investing in course infrastructure and equipment. We have recently completed the construction of an additional storage shed, providing much-needed space for large grass-cutting machinery.
With an expanded agronomy programme now in place, we have invested in a new higher-capacity sprayer, enabling treatments to be applied more efficiently and consistently across wider areas of the course. In addition, a new large-capacity top dresser has been purchased to support the increased volume of sand now being applied to greens, aprons, and tees. These investments are long-term and will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our maintenance operations.
As members will be aware, we currently have no permanent toilet facilities available on the course. During last year’s peak season, temporary facilities were installed adjacent to the 10th fairway to help address this issue. To provide a long-term, practical, and environmentally responsible solution, the Committee has approved the installation of a new waterless toilet system supplied by Kazuba. These systems have been successfully installed at many golf courses across the country and will ensure appropriate on-course facilities are available for both members and visitors going forward.
The most significant and critical assets on the course remain our grass-cutting machinery. Following a review of the different finance and replacement models used by comparable clubs, we are pleased to advise that we are currently in discussions with our John Deere dealership to enter into an exclusive fleet agreement. Subject to final agreement, this would see our existing fleet upgraded to new John Deere equipment in time for the coming season, ensuring reliability, consistency, and the high presentation standards expected of Machrihanish.
150th Anniversary Year – 1876–2026
Founded 11th March 1876
On the 11th March 2026, Machrihanish Golf Club will proudly celebrate its 150th Anniversary, marking a century and a half of golf on our historic links.
A programme of special events has been planned throughout the year to recognise this significant milestone and to celebrate the club’s heritage, its members, and its international connections.
Key Dates for Your Diary:
Wednesday 11th March 2026 – 150th Anniversary Opening Day
Anniversary Stableford and evening Clubhouse Reception with Flag Raising, Fireworks, and a Toast to 150 Years.
Saturday 23rd May 2026 – 150th Anniversary Pro-Am
Sponsored by RiskVille and administered by PGA (Scotland), marking the close of May Golf Week.
Sunday 31st May - Family Fun Day on the Pans Course
Celebrating the next generation of Machrihanish golfers this will be a fun packed day for our Junior members & families.
Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June 2026 – Old Tom Morris Invitational
Practice Round & Welcome Reception on Thursday, followed by the Invitational Texas Scramble on Friday.
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July 2026 – 150th Anniversary Team Cup
A three-day international team event in partnership with our International Members.
Saturday 24th October 2026 – 150th Anniversary Grand Ball
Formal Dinner Dance at The Victoria Hall, Campbeltown.
We are also currently in discussion with Springbank Distillery regarding the production of a 150th Anniversary bottling. Further news and details will be shared with members as plans develop, watch this space, as this will be something very special.
Full details for all anniversary events will be issued to members as arrangements are finalised.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the club. We look forward to keeping members informed as these projects progress and to welcoming you to Machrihanish throughout the winter period and into our landmark anniversary year.
Malcolm Stalker
Captain
The Machrihanish Golf Club
As we move into the winter months, we would like to update you on several important developments at the club, including staffing matters, changes to our management structure, committee updates, clubhouse operations, progress on the Ladies Clubhouse project, continued investment in the golf course, and details of our forthcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Staffing Update
After an extended period attempting to secure suitable family accommodation in Campbeltown for our incoming Hospitality Manager, we have reluctantly had to re-advertise the position. This follows a strong recruitment process earlier in the year, and while disappointing, we remain committed to appointing the right candidate to support our growing hospitality operation.
We are also pleased to confirm that Helen has commenced an 18-month Hospitality Leadership course with Argyll College. On completion, we hope Helen will be able to progress into a Junior Management role within the club, strengthening our internal management capacity. We wish her every success with her studies.
Management Structure Review
As the club has grown significantly in recent years, both operationally and in terms of visitor numbers, the Committee has reviewed the overall management structure and the increasing workload placed on volunteer committee members.
As a result, we are delighted to announce the promotion of Alison Kelly from her current role as Staff Relations and Finance Officer to Club Manager.
In this position, Alison will have full responsibility for:
• All clubhouse operations & facilities management
• Finance & Business management
• Marketing & communications
Alison will report directly to the Committee. Direct management responsibility for the golf course and the Club Professional will remain with the Committee. However, the Club Manager will maintain a dotted-line relationship with both the Club Professional and the Head Greenkeeper for administrative and coordination purposes.
Committee Update
We are delighted to announce that Alistair Tait has agreed to join the Committee and will take on the role of Finance Convener. As the business element of the club continues to develop, it is extremely valuable to have someone with Alistair’s experience and expertise contributing at Committee level. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Committee.
Clubhouse & Restaurant Update
We have recently undergone an inspection by our local Licensing Board, and we are pleased to report a very positive outcome. As our licence is for a private members’ club, all guests must be signed in by a member. Members are therefore asked to please use the visitor signing-in book, located on the bar counter when entering the bar and restaurant area. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
January and February are traditionally a quieter period for both the course and the bar/restaurant. During this time, member support is particularly important, and we encourage you to make use of the clubhouse, whether that’s calling in for coffee and cake, lunch, or dinner. We will also be advertising menu specials and themed offerings, so please watch social media postings for details.
Please note that the bar and restaurant will be closed on 2nd, 3rd and 4th February. This closure will allow us to complete first aid training for all staff, carry out cleaning to kitchen duct and ventilation systems, and undertake the re-coating of the hardwood floor.
Ladies Clubhouse Progress
Work on the Ladies Clubhouse is progressing at full steam. The structure for the bedroom extension is now erected, and we hope it will not be too long before the building is fully wind and water tight. This marks an exciting stage in a project that will significantly enhance our facilities.
We are also pleased to confirm the appointment of an Interior Designer, who will work closely with a subgroup of members to establish the interior decoration and furniture scheme. This collaborative approach will ensure the finished space reflects both the heritage and future aspirations of the club.
On The Course
This year has seen record visitor play, with just over 6,500 visitor rounds recorded on the course. In addition, our Open competitions were extremely well supported, with all events running at over 90% capacity. While this level of demand is very encouraging, it has inevitably resulted in increased wear and tear across all areas of the course, particularly tees, fairways, and greens.
These figures underline the importance of maintaining and presenting the course to the highest possible standard. As outlined in previous newsletters, we engaged Robert Patterson of Grassman Turf Solutions to support this objective. Robert visited the course again in November, and we are pleased to report that his feedback was very positive, reflecting the excellent work being carried out by Craig and the greenkeeping team.
We are also pleased to advise that a Course Report from Craig, Head Greenkeeper, and Simon, Assistant Head Greenkeeper, is attached to this newsletter. This report provides a positive and informative overview of current course conditions, recent work undertaken, and plans for the coming months. This style of report has now been established and will be communicated seasonally to members, providing greater insight into course management throughout the year.
The strong income generated from visitor golf and competitions has also allowed the club to continue investing in course infrastructure and equipment. We have recently completed the construction of an additional storage shed, providing much-needed space for large grass-cutting machinery.
With an expanded agronomy programme now in place, we have invested in a new higher-capacity sprayer, enabling treatments to be applied more efficiently and consistently across wider areas of the course. In addition, a new large-capacity top dresser has been purchased to support the increased volume of sand now being applied to greens, aprons, and tees. These investments are long-term and will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our maintenance operations.
As members will be aware, we currently have no permanent toilet facilities available on the course. During last year’s peak season, temporary facilities were installed adjacent to the 10th fairway to help address this issue. To provide a long-term, practical, and environmentally responsible solution, the Committee has approved the installation of a new waterless toilet system supplied by Kazuba. These systems have been successfully installed at many golf courses across the country and will ensure appropriate on-course facilities are available for both members and visitors going forward.
The most significant and critical assets on the course remain our grass-cutting machinery. Following a review of the different finance and replacement models used by comparable clubs, we are pleased to advise that we are currently in discussions with our John Deere dealership to enter into an exclusive fleet agreement. Subject to final agreement, this would see our existing fleet upgraded to new John Deere equipment in time for the coming season, ensuring reliability, consistency, and the high presentation standards expected of Machrihanish.
150th Anniversary Year – 1876–2026
Founded 11th March 1876
On the 11th March 2026, Machrihanish Golf Club will proudly celebrate its 150th Anniversary, marking a century and a half of golf on our historic links.
A programme of special events has been planned throughout the year to recognise this significant milestone and to celebrate the club’s heritage, its members, and its international connections.
Key Dates for Your Diary:
Wednesday 11th March 2026 – 150th Anniversary Opening Day
Anniversary Stableford and evening Clubhouse Reception with Flag Raising, Fireworks, and a Toast to 150 Years.
Saturday 23rd May 2026 – 150th Anniversary Pro-Am
Sponsored by RiskVille and administered by PGA (Scotland), marking the close of May Golf Week.
Sunday 31st May - Family Fun Day on the Pans Course
Celebrating the next generation of Machrihanish golfers this will be a fun packed day for our Junior members & families.
Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June 2026 – Old Tom Morris Invitational
Practice Round & Welcome Reception on Thursday, followed by the Invitational Texas Scramble on Friday.
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July 2026 – 150th Anniversary Team Cup
A three-day international team event in partnership with our International Members.
Saturday 24th October 2026 – 150th Anniversary Grand Ball
Formal Dinner Dance at The Victoria Hall, Campbeltown.
We are also currently in discussion with Springbank Distillery regarding the production of a 150th Anniversary bottling. Further news and details will be shared with members as plans develop, watch this space, as this will be something very special.
Full details for all anniversary events will be issued to members as arrangements are finalised.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the club. We look forward to keeping members informed as these projects progress and to welcoming you to Machrihanish throughout the winter period and into our landmark anniversary year.
Malcolm Stalker
Captain
The Machrihanish Golf Club