Edinburgh clubs strike reciprocal deal to add extra value for golfers

Near neighbours Lothianburn and Torphin Hill came up with the scheme as both clubs battle to survive during difficult times in golf, with more revenue having been lost recently due to the bad weather.

"Lothianburn have been trying to get us to amalgamate with them but that's not going to work, mainly because of the demographic of our membership being made up of a fair number of 50-70 year-olds," said Torphin Hill captain Colin Gallacher.

"However, we are keen to try and help each other during these difficult times and we feel this scheme, which is almost like a joint-membership, might encourage more people to join one or other of the two clubs."

Membership at Torphin Hill, which was established in 1895, has dropped to just over 200, a figure that incorporates all categories. As part of cost-cutting over the past few years, the club has dispensed with the services of both a professional and a full-time secretary.

"We've done all the cost-cutting we can and now it is a case of trying to generate some new income. The members don't want to see the club go to the wall and we have a very good landlord, but there's no denying the fact it is a hard fight at the moment," added Gallacher.

At Lothianburn, which is just two years younger, they have managed to keep a club professional and secretary but attracting new members has become increasing difficult.

"The reality is that membership numbers are dropping and we are having to work hard to find alternative ways to try and attract people," said the captain there, Alan Greenshields. "This reciprocal agreement with Torphin is a little extra benefit we hope will at least keep things as they are."

Under the terms of the agreement, play is on a non-competitive basis and members are allowed to sign on guests at the other club.