This is a massive year for golf in North Ayrshire – undoubtedly the biggest the area has ever seen.
But while the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and AAM Ladies Scottish Open will last for two weeks, the council want to ensure more people are inspired to play golf for LIFE.
That’s why they recently held the first-ever North Ayrshire Golf Forum Group to try and shape a strategy for clubs, communities and schools that will ultimately provide opportunities for more people to play the game than ever before.
Representatives from clubs across the area - including Largs Routenburn and West Kilbride – attended the inaugural meeting.
Other partners include Active Schools (NAC), KA Leisure, Scottish Golf and Golphin for Kids.
Audrey Sutton, Head of Service (Connected Communities), said: “This is a big year for North Ayrshire with Dundonald Links hosting the Ladies and Men’s Scottish Open Championships. We feel that this exciting time represents a great opportunity to work closer together and be better connected.
“It was a very worthwhile meeting. Scottish Golf say they have never previously had this level of engagement which suggests clubs are both supportive of the forum concept and are keen to develop it further.
“We hope the Forum will act as a legacy to the Scottish Opens and the start of better connected opportunities between schools, clubs and communities.”
Following on from this first meeting, a working group is set to be formed which will offer a variety of support and services, including information on funding, business planning (including action/development planning), as well as an opportunity to share ideas and expertise for the benefit of all.
The AAM Men’s Scottish Open takes place from 12-16 July and the Ladies Scottish Open runs from 27-30 July.