New approach pays off at Ladybank

Fife club’s secretary 'thrilled' by huge response to its membership diversification programme

By SCG Newsdesk

Ladybank Golf Club has reported an unprecedented response to new membership categories that were introduced as part of an innovative and far-reaching modernisation programme.

The historic policy shift has prompted a flood of enquiries resulting in the prestigious Scottish club filling two-thirds of its first-ever country memberships within a month of unveiling the new options.

The Fife club has also introduced its first international membership category and is proactively establishing commercial partnerships with local and national businesses.

WONDERFUL

Welcoming the club’s first country member, Ladybank’s new secretary Gordon Simpson revealed the response had been incredibly positive.

“The reaction has been wonderful,” he said. “We have had an enormous amount of interest in our the new membership categories from throughout the UK and further afield which illustrates the continuing admiration for the club.

"I was especially thrilled to welcome John Welham as the club’s first country member as he was one of the first people to express an interest in becoming a member of Ladybank through the new membership options."

Simpson added: "Ladybank has a tradition stretching back over 138 years. Our reputation had been built on our fantastic parkland course, which was originally laid out by Old Tom Morris, and our wonderful clubhouse and practice facilities. Many visitors who play Ladybank for the first time want to return as members and it is gratifying to be able to offer them these options."

Welham, chairman of the world’s largest independent shipping broker Simpson Spence Young, is the first of 25 country members to join Ladybank.

THRILLED

"I remember when I first played Ladybank a few years ago, I thought how wonderful it must be to play it regularly as a member,” he said. “When the country memberships were announced, I jumped at the chance and was thrilled to receive confirmation of my successful application. I am looking forward to making a number of trips to Fife to play Ladybank, this time as a member."

The club has also launched new categories for 18 to 25-year-olds and 26 to 30-year-olds, whilst also establishing closer links with golf tour operators and key accommodation providers, such as Rufflets Hotel, the 2016 AA Scottish Hotel of the Year.

"Ladybank is going through a transition and welcoming the club’s first country member marks a milestone in that journey,” said Simpson. “There is still a long way to go and we have many plans for the club, but establishing a more flexible approach to membership has been one of the first, key changes to be made and I am thrilled with the response."

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