A closure-threatened Angus golf club has celebrated its 25th anniversary, with members predicting it will survive “well into the future.”
Over 250 golfers, residents, guests and past captains were invited to take part in a silver jubilee competition organised by Letham Grange Golf Club (LGGC), which runs the two golf courses at Letham Grange Golf Resort by Arbroath.
The club took over responsibility for both the Glens and the Old Course, in addition to the clubhouse, after a long legal ownership battle was settled earlier this year.
While a cloud of doubt still hangs over the long-term future of the club, members are keen to enjoy playing the courses until any appeal developments are announced.
Club founder and course designer Ken Smith was one of the guests of honour at the day of celebration, which saw a stableford competition held on both courses, followed by a barbecue, music, a raffle and children’s activities.
The club and Old course were opened by Harry Bannerman on June 8, 1986, and 25 years on he returned to play the course once more, alongside present club captain Nick Jackson. Mr Bannerman describes the course as the “Augusta of Scotland”.
The more straightforward Glens course, which was opened in 1991, accommodated 144 golfers on the day.
In October 1988, Mr Smith sold the estate to Japanese interests but economic difficulties at that time cost the resort dear and by 1992 the receivers had been called in.
The courses were then well catered for under Neil Sharp, acting on behalf of the banks, and both remained in excellent condition when sold to Taiwanese businessman Peter Liu two years later.
However, further financial problems followed and in April this year a 10-year legal battle between Mr Liu and the resort’s administrators was finally settled, finding in favour of Mr Liu.
Prior to that, members of LGGC which is independent to the golf resort entered an agreement to run the courses until the court ruling was passed. The club is still waiting to hear what the implications may be and until then have opted to continue operating until told otherwise.
To date, membership has risen significantly and is now approaching 500.
Member Dave Darnell, convener of the 25th anniversary celebrations, said it had been a “remarkable achievement” for a club that was left with nothing more than a notice of closure on the door of the hotel around four months ago.
He added, “With a new atmosphere at the club, it’s more like a family in harmony, with everyone having a smile.”For more information www.lethamgrangegolfclub.co.uk