This month our MD, James Munroe, visited Edinburgh based Kingsknowe Golf Club to meet Colin Pearson, Club Manager.

JM – Tell me more about the club?

CP – We are situated 3 miles from the centre of Edinburgh and if anyone knows the area they will appreciate the magnificent views from the club across NE Edinburgh over to the Forth bridges and Fife beyond.

We were founded in 1908 with a custom-built club house and we currently have around 600 members and 2,000 visitor rounds per year.  The parkland course was originally designed by Alec Herd (1902 Open Champion) then latterly by James Braid.

JM – What can people expect from visiting the club?

CP – Whether you are playing or not you will receive a warm welcome. It’s my goal to make the club part of the community rather than it being perceived as just a golf course. Like most clubs we have to diversify and maximise our income so anyone in the area can use our facilities – we hold many parties, functions, business seminars and even small weddings.

For the visiting golfer we are ideally located close to the city centre with two loops of 9 holes from the clubhouse and a standard scratch score of 69 for men and 71 for ladies. We welcome all players of all abilities. We are also more than happy to consider corporate and society golf days.

JM – How did the Scottish Golf “Get into Golf” event go last month?

CP – Really well. We had 30 attendees who signed up for a course of 6 lessons with our pro. This is a tailored programme that runs until the end of September. Additionally, we also have over 20 juniors playing at the club. Our pro and his assistant are tasked with getting more people playing at the club and events like this really help.

JM – What plans do you have for the club?

CP – We don’t plan any course changes, but my aim is two-fold; to retain the members that we already have and attract new ones. 

JM – Tell me about your tee board package?

CP – We are looking to attract more corporates into the club and we are currently marketing a package that will feature businesses on our tee boards. They will also get free use of our facilities, a golf allowance, feature on our website, app and e-newsletter plus receive a 40-minute lesson with our pro (for up to 6 people).

Whole In 1 Golf have helped us market the package to existing corporate partners and via push notifications to anyone who has downloaded the smartphone apps. They have also designed the advert to feature on our TVs and we are marketing the package to the wider Edinburgh business community with their assistance.

Anyone interested in the package can contact me via email clubmanager@kingsknowe.com