Alyth Golf Club offers hope to Glenisla

EXCLUSIVE

• Alyth Golf Club to sign one-year lease for nine holes of Glenisla
• Glenisla was sold to housing developers in late September
• The two Perthshire courses are separated only by the B954 road

Alyth Golf Club has stepped in to take on nine holes of neighbouring Glenisla Golf Course, bunkered.co.uk has learned.

Glenisla, which had around 150 members, was sold to housing developers in late September and closed ‘for good’ on October 31 – with its dozen staff ‘absolutely devastated’ at the news.

After being approached by owners Glenisla Development Ltd, Alyth is expected to sign a one-year lease with a view to an extension if everything is working out within the next two to three days.

The course will be known as the Glenisla Course at Alyth Golf Club and could be open as soon as this weekend.

Read more -> Brexit economic boom for top Scottish resorts

“The developers approached us and offered us the back nine of Glenisla, which is probably the more picturesque nine that runs adjacent to our clubhouse,” Alyth marketing convener Dave Barclay told bunkered.co.uk.

“We’re bucking the trend in that we’re taking on another nine holes where across the country we’re seeing courses closing. It ticks a lot of boxes for us and it ties in with Scottish Golf and their drive for more nine-hole golf.”

“We’ve attracted a lot of members from Glenisla” – Dave Barclay

“It gives us nine-hole, 18-hole and 27-hole membership options and gives us the opportunity to explore different formats. We’ve attracted a lot of members from Glenisla, while some have already registered an interest in a nine-hole membership for the Glenisla Course.”

Glenisla opened in 1995 and was designed by Tony Wardle, a golf course architect who has worked alongside the likes of Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus.

Read more -> Ury Estate to be ‘one of UK’s top golf resorts’

Developed originally by the Glenshee Chairlift Company as a summer business to make use of its full-time ski employees during the off-season, it was bought out of receivership by the Somerville family in 2004.

In 2014, it was recognised for its value for money at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards and the widespread public interest in the course when its closure was announced also had a sizeable impact on Alyth’s decision.

“We knew it was still very marketable” – Dave Barclay

“I run a local business in the town and over the past couple of months I’ve known people who have paid a visit to Glenisla just for a sentimental final 18 holes,” added Dave.

“So we knew it was still very marketable. From there, we spoke to one of the new owners and thrashed out a deal, which we’ll be signing in the next few days.”

As a result, Alyth also now has a vacancy for a full-time greenkeeper. The club is working on new packages but, if you’re keen to play in the near future, golfers are being advised to call Alyth on 01828 632268.

Meanwhile, the Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort near Dundee (above) has been sold in a £25m funding package to Coppergreen Developments Ltd, a progressive UK holiday park operator.

Piperdam is considered one of Scotland’s premier leisure resorts offering 77 high quality holiday lodges, 27 holes of championship golf and an outstanding wedding and conference venue.

“We are really excited by this acquisition” – David Copley

David Copley, CEO at Coppergreen Developments Ltd, added: “We are really excited by this acquisition and look forward to continuing the high standards of the business at Piperdam.

“We are focused on thoughtfully and sensitively expanding the site so that even more holidaymakers can enjoy first-class accommodation in beautiful surroundings.”

Follow @BunkeredOnline

Alyth take on back nine at Glenisla

What do you make of the news that Alyth Golf Club will be taking on nine holes of Glenisla Golf Course? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.