New drink law a factor in Blairbeth closure

• Blairbeth GC closed on Wednesday after 105 years of existence
• New drink driving law considered a significant factor
• “During the summer, our clubhouse was sitting empty”

The impact of the new drink driving law has been cited as a factor behind the closure of a Glasgow golf club – just four weeks after a decision was made to transform the course from 18 holes to nine.

Blairbeth GC in Fernhill, which boasted stunning views of the city and surrounding area, officially ceased trading on Wednesday after 105 years of existence, with members getting together to say their final farewells on Sunday.

The club had been going through difficult period, with £65,000 per season needing to be made through other revenue forms to keep the place open. And after the lowering of the law on alcohol consumption was introduced last December, Blairbeth captain David McKay is in no doubt that it had a significant effect on the club’s financial health.

“After events and nice days during the summer, our clubhouse was sitting empty” – David McKay

“Before the drink driving law came into force, the older members and some of the other guys would stay for a few pints and sometimes they’d be here so long, they’d just decide to stay and get a taxi home,” he said.

“It concerned us immediately. We noticed within the first month that takings were massively down and that’s not just alcohol, because if people are using the bar for drinks then they’re more likely to hang about and order some food as well.

CONTINUES BELOW…

Members say farewell to the club on Sunday.

“Towards the end, barely anyone was staying for even one pint because they obviously didn’t want to run the risk of being caught. After events and nice days during the summer, our clubhouse was sitting empty. That was sad to see.”

The decision to turn Blairbeth into a nine-hole course had been seen by many as ‘the last throw of the dice’, and after receiving more than 20 resignations from the club’s 130 members in the aftermath of the EGM, realisation hit that the there would be no chance of its survival.

But McKay feels the club couldn’t have done any more to arrest the problem of its dwindling membership in recent years, particularly looking at juniors – of which Blairbeth only had a ‘handful’ – by going into nearby schools to try and drum up interest.

“Me and my mates were known as ‘the young guys’” – David McKay

He said: “We went into every school in the surrounding area with posters offering junior memberships up to the age of 18 for £50 a year. Not one child joined. I’m 49 in a couple of weeks and me and my mates were known as ‘the young guys’ – now that’s just ridiculous.

“The galling thing as well is that we recently renovated the whole clubhouse. It’s got a brand new roof, showers, locker room, the bar has been decorated with a new carpet and seating. Now it’s sitting there empty.”

CONTINUES BELOW…

Upon hearing the news of Blairbeth’s closure, Scottish Golf deputy chief executive Andy Salmon said: “This is disappointing news for the members of Blairbeth GC.

“Scotland has not seen course closures on a scale seen south of the border. Indeed, the latest membership figures in Scotland are encouraging, with total club membership up by 2.14% at 223,000 for 2014. We continue to work hard as an organisation to promote golf through our various programmes, such as ClubGolf and Get into Golf, and our dedicated team of club development officers.

“However, this news again reminds us all of the need to take a modern business-like approach to managing golf clubs and the need to provide customers with products and services that meet their needs.

“We hope that former members of Blairbeth now find a new local club to join in the Glasgow or surrounding area, with various categories of membership at a number of courses available.”

bunkered.co.uk understands that Eastwood, East Kilbride and Cambuslang are among the clubs who have reached out to support Blairbeth’s members.

New drink driving law :: Affecting your club?

Has the introduction of the new drink driving law last December had an impact on your club? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.