Season ticket boost for North Inch as course condition is hailed "fantastic"

Golfers have been dusting down their clubs and getting back out on the fairways across the region

The North Inch Golf Course witnessed a welcome increase in season ticket holders ahead of the sport’s return across Scotland.

Keen-to-play golfers have been unable to get the clubs out in recent weeks as the country attempted to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

The Scottish Government has now moved to phase one of its four-stage ‘route map’ out of the lockdown.

On the sporting front, this means leisure activities such as golf, tennis, bowls and fishing are permitted – subject to appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures being in place.

Niall McGill, golf course officer for the North Inch Golf Course, said: “Golfers are now just absolutely desperate to get back out on the course.

“Golf is a great sport for being able to socially distance and get some exercise. There would be a lot of golfers like kids before Christmas on Thursday night.

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“We opened our booking system on Monday morning and, like all other golf clubs, it went pretty manic.

“We’ve already had about 15 to 18 new season ticket holders sign up in the last week. There has been a real interest from people who have been occasional golfers.

“The golf course is looking fantastic and the guys have worked really hard.

“There have been a lot of compliments from people just walking around.

“Everyone is coming back to see it as good as it has been in 20 years, if not ever.”

Perth Artisan Golf Club members, who play on the North Inch, are excited to get back into the swing of things.

Captain John McLaren highlighted the membership is in a strong position moving forward and wished to give his thanks to those who have helped with clubhouse refurbishments.

“We have had more lockers put in, everything painted and the bar has been moved over,” said John, a member of the club since 1981.

“The course is looking great now and the condition is spot on. There are a lot more people coming back when they see the course.

“We’re right in the centre of Perth and it’s really good value for money. That course could be the best value for money course in Scotland.

“We’re always open to new members and don’t have a waiting list. A few years ago we were struggling but we’ve managed to turn it around.

“Every golfer just wants to be back out there now.”