Loch Lomond take over imminent

Members expected to assume control of Scottish Open venue

Loch Lomond Golf Club will be bought over by members in the coming week after a successful period of fundraising, it is expected.

The 2010 Barclays Scottish Open venue’s 800 or so members had been asked to stump up at least £20,000 each for a stake in the new company.

A total of £35m had to be raised to complete the purchase from the Bank of Scotland, which had been in control of the club after the former owner, American businessman Lyle Anderson, ran into financial difficulties.

“We are delighted to have reached our goal in such a short time frame, especially as this has been achieved over the Christmas period,” said a spokesperson for the Member’s Executive Committee.

“The support we have received from Members has been exceptional and highlights what great affection there is for the club. The goal is to move forward with our plans to consolidate Loch Lomond’s reputation as one of the foremost private members clubs in the world.”

The spokesperson also confirmed that it is unlikely Loch Lomond would be hosting the Barclays Scottish Open in the foreseeable future.

The club has staged the prestigious European Tour event annually since 1997 but title sponsors Barclays would prefer to see the tournament staged on a links, with Castle Stuart widely expected to be given the nod to host the event this year and potentially beyond.

“We believe the Barclays Scottish Open will move to a links course,” he added.

“This is absolutely fine by us, since Loch Lomond’s reputation for golfing excellence is already established and we now want to concentrate on producing the best club environment for our members.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered