This season we have made big improvements to the course, following on from taking over full control from East Lothian Council. This has included taking on excellent new greenkeeping staff, with good experience elsewhere and new ideas here, and investing in a lot of new machinery for them. All our members have noticed a big change for the better, and our visitor numbers are up with lots of positive comments.
At a general meeting of the club on 2 September we heard in detail the plans for a new irrigation system, to be installed at the start of next season. This will cover all of the greens and tees from April with up-to-date sprinklers, and can be expanded in the next year or so to include approaches to the greens. We will not then need to rely on volunteer help to water the greens every week, and it will free up greenkeepers’ time for other improvements. After the meeting a vote was held among the members, with over 90% voting to accept increases to membership fees over the next 3 years to fund this important project. More money will come from Clubs savings and a loan. The fees increase, an additional £80 per year, will also help rebuild reserves.
We have seen so many great advances this year, it is really good to see the commitment of the whole Club membership to keeping up progress and our movement in the right direction to becoming a wholly professional set-up with a really rewarding golfing experience for members and visitors alike.
As always, thanks are due to the hard work and dedication of the Committee and the greenkeeping staff in bringing this about. More hard work lies ahead, with works planned in the off season across the course, and we all look forward to this paying off for us in 2026 and beyond.