Massive rise in Edinburgh municipal golf rounds

Helped by the courses having suffered a fraction of the weather closures compared to recent years, the number of rounds at Edinburgh’s five municipal venues showed a year-on-year increase of 79 per cent in January.

Edinburgh's Braid Hills course has seen a rise in total rounds. Picture: Kenny Smith

According to Edinburgh Leisure, which manages Braid Hills, Carrick Knowe, Craigentinny, Portobello and Silverknowes on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, the total rounds in the month was 6,353 compared to 3,550 in January 2013.

It is being claimed that the increase is partly down to Edinburgh Leisure’s welcoming, inclusive ethos.

“The perception of golf clubs as elitist is beginning to wane – Edinburgh Leisure members are made welcome without having to wear a shirt with collar as many clubs traditionally would demand, for example,” said David Atkinson, the non-for-profit company’s golf and grounds maintenance manager.

“Yet, while it may be more relaxed, the standard of service and care of sites is visibly more professional. Expectations of service and care are rightly high, and we believe word is spreading that iconic city courses such as Silverknowes and the Braids are better than ever.”