Two Tayside clubs merge amid steady membership decline

The Grange and Broughty Golf Clubs both have illustrious histories

TWO LONG-ESTABLISHED Tayside golf clubs have merged in a move to create a stronger club with a healthier future at a time of declining golf club membership.

The Grange and Broughty Golf Clubs, which occupy neighbouring sites on Monifieth links, each have histories stretching back over a century. Representatives of the two clubs signed an amalgamation agreement to form the Grange &Broughty Golf Club on January 1, 2019.

The amalgamation is the culmination of discussions between the clubs over the past year and implements recommendations both memberships approved in separate ballots in July.

Ian Cowan, captain of the Grange club, said: "I am delighted that the Grange and Broughty Golf Clubs have come together.

"The amalgamation will afford the new club the opportunity to provide its members with improved facilities at an affordable cost.

"The increased membership will ensure that the club is on a sound financial footing and well placed to promote the sport of golf in our local community and further afield."

Broughty captain Colin Mullis added: "The amalgamation of the clubs is an historic moment, and whilst many Broughty members may be saddened by moving from their golfing home, the formation of the new club represents a big step in the right direction for the future of golf at Monifieth."

Membership of the four clubs on the links has fallen by 34% to just over 900 players in the last 12 years. The Grange club, which was the biggest of the four with more than 500 members, had seen a 25% reduction, and the three others – Broughty, Monifieth and Ladies Panmure – also suffered falls. Broughty had a membership of around 160.

The Monifieth and Ladies Panmure Golf Clubs were not involved in the merger.

Existing staff of both clubs have transferred to the new club, while a new club crest and colours for the branding of all signage and merchandise has been adopted.

A new club website is now live, and recognition of the constituent clubs' rich heritage is included as part of the refurbished clubhouse.

Membership fees for 2019 have been reduced and new members will also benefit from a discounted rate for their first year.

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