News and articles from the Clubhouse

Smethurst Signs Off

By Rick Hannigan, 4th February 2010

In a difficult time for Scottish golf, the "bunker" mentality of the boys at King James VI has delivered another good set of trading results for 2009. Coming up for air after the latest AGM, the hard working Island committee delivered a report card that summarised "a tough but reasonable year in the circumstances".

Ray Smethurst, who signed off as Club Captain after two years, said "It's been very much a case of getting the head down, working hard and keeping our eye on the ball business-wise.

Mr Macawber would have been quite proud as income pretty much matched expenditure for the year. The improvement fund we started last year also helped us deliver around £10,000 worth of planned clubhouse improvements and one or two unforeseen major repairs too."

Ray, reflecting on his four years as Vice Captain and then Captain went on to say, " Apart from attention to detail we have always tried to maintain and develop the Island brand - the King James experience is not just a game of golf, it's a special course at the heart of a friendly and sociable environment. We don't just want our members to join, we encourage them to join in! Of course we'd like more members - which Club wouldn't in this day and age? Visitors rave about the place and yet many Perth players haven't given us a try. As the 23rd oldest club in the world and, we think, the only all-island, 18 hole city centre golf course anywhere, we welcome all-comers."

Following one of the most prolonged spells of course closures in living memory the club's annual Sportsmen's Dinner in Perth's excellent Salutation Hotel last week brought some much needed cheer in the form of over £4700 for club funds. Ray Smethurst said, " This is yet another example of the King James spirit , our members and and guests have "chipped in" yet again."

Ray "teed up" new Captain and Vice Captain, John Pettigrew and Ian McPhee. He said, " I wish the lads well and having worked with them over the last four years I know that they are just the team we need to take us forward."

For any details on playing packages for members and visitors at King James VI Golf Club call 01738 445132 or visit kingjamesvi.com

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