Members back bid to re-open Letham Grange

THE two courses at Letham Grange, a few miles inland from Arbroath, are set to re-open before the end of the month after members backed a proposal for a new management team to operate the Angus resort for the remainder of this year.

More than 200 members attended an egm in Arbroath to find out about the details of a short-term rescue plan and, along with others who had received that information via email, the majority were in favour of the proposals.

Nick Jackson, captain of Letham Grange Golf Club, explained the work that the committee had completed over the last seven weeks following the disappointment of the news that the resort had ceased trading.

"This has mainly involved seeking advice from a large list of sources, Angus Council, in particular, who have been a tremendous source of support, the Scottish Golf Union, Elmwood College and many individual contributors who have had a working knowledge of how the golf courses operated in the past," said club secretary Gardiner Arthur. "Also from members who shared their professional experience in accounting, legal and other matters."

The proposal offers two annual adult membership options: Combined membership for both the par-73 Old Course and the par-68 Glens Course for 350 or membership of the Glens Course for 280.

In addition, in a bid to continue the efforts started last year to promote junior golfers at the club, under 13s can join the Glens Course for a 20 annual membership fee. It is 40 for over 13s and 60 for membership of both courses

"Almost 300 members have indicated their support which is surely good news for everyone who has enjoyed playing golf at Letham Grange," added Arthur.

"Now the management team, formed from a sub-section of the club committee, will start planning to open the golf courses as soon as possible, and certainly in time for the start of the season on 1 April."

In another positive development regarding a facility near Aberdeen that closed recently, it is believed that Craibstone Golf Centre has been bought by a new owner and will re-open soon.