Published: Wednesday, 19th March, 2008 12:00
Optimism for new season at Dollar Golf Club
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Scott Borrowman is one of the club's successful young players.
Members of Dollar Golf Club are approaching the forthcoming season with renewed optimism.
Like many other local clubs, they are having to work with a declining membership, but recent initiatives such as special Open Day prices for new members and a re-invigorated social programme are helping to stabilise the situation.
What is giving club members particular reason for optimism is the performance of the younger players.
Scott Borrowman won the 2007 Scottish Under 21 Stroke Play Championship at Erskine – a magnificent achievement; he was then second in the Irish Under 21 event and finished 10th in the Scottish men’s Order of Merit.
Scott (21), who is currently doing Sports Studies at Stirling University, hopes to play as a full-time amateur and eventually progress to the professional game.
Alva Academy pupils Gary Chalmers (15) and Steven McPherson (16) also took an impressive haul of trophies between them last year.
Gary recorded the 4th best score in the Scottish Boys’ event at Bryanston Castle, Ayrshire; finished second in the Clackmannanshire County Boys’ Championship; and won the Dunfermline and Muckhart Junior Open, whilst turning out for the county under 15 and 18 teams.
Steven also plays for the county (under 18) and, in his own right, won the Braehead and Tulliallan Junior titles and teamed up with Gary to win both the Dollar Junior and Senior Doubles competitions. Stephen is also a keen footballer who plays in the midfield for Ochil Boys Club.
“We are absolutely delighted with such achievement,” says club captain Stuart Morrison and it shows that our hillside course can produce champions.
“Young and old can gain easy and regular access – which means wonderful practice facilities; the course itself offers stunning views; and there are no winter greens.
In fact, visitors often comment on how well the course is maintained, summer and winter, and we have a very good-going group of seniors including the DREGGS (Dollar Retired and Elderly Gentleman’s Golfing Society) – over 50’s who meet each week and play in the Caledonian League and other competitions.”
The club also offers full membership to women (it only took a hundred years!) and is a very active and social bunch. Ladies play nine-hole events on Mondays and the full course on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“Our Club Steward John Crossan and his assistant Ayleen work hard to provide an ongoing clubhouse service – much appreciated by members,” says Stuart, “and we have recently made more concerted efforts to expand the social programme, with Annual Dances, Members’ Nights and special menu evenings.”
The Dollar Golf Club Open Day takes place on March 30 when the special membership deals are on offer and new younger members are particularly welcome. The course is open to anyone all day.
Speaking as a slightly more mature member who took advantage of such a deal two years ago, I have never looked back and, in spite of some atrocious play, have greatly enjoyed this marvellous recreational facility in the beautiful Ochil Hills.
Jim Wilkie
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Five will go for next season