22/07/12
Delighted duo Robert Irwin and Andrew Duncan are thanking the golfing gods after being drawn from a list of over 2,500 entrants to be the lucky winners of the Scottish Golf Union’s ‘Win a Year’s Membership at your Golf Club’ competition.
The hugely popular competition, run in conjunction with the SGU’s annual national marketing campaign to advocate the benefits of being a golf club member and support clubs all over Scotland, saw Robert and Andrew win £500 each towards the cost of an annual membership.
Robert, a full member at Paisley Golf Club for 13 years, won the member’s category of the competition, while Andrew, from Denny, claimed the non-member’s prize.
The money has immediately gone towards Robert’s Paisley membership this year and in 2013, while Andrew has quickly decided to take a Monday to Friday ‘Weekday’ membership at near-by Kilsyth Lennox Golf Club. The remaining balance will go towards his fees next year.
“To win golf membership for a year is just fantastic and thanks hugely to the Scottish Golf Union,” said Robert, a 12-handicapper and ex-committee member at Paisley GC.
“Our Secretary Manager, John Devenny, has been joking that I’ve finally won something!”
Robert, a 56-year-old from Renfrew now retired from the fire service, added: “I love being a member of the golf club. If I’m away for more than a week, people wonder what is wrong with me!
“I’ve history and connections with the club. My uncle, Bill Irwin, was a past captain and my cousin, Stephen Irwin, represents the district. I’m looking forward to enjoying more golf at Paisley.”
Andrew, meanwhile, has played golf since he was 12 but has never been a club member. “I always intended to at the start of each year, but I’ve never got round to it,” he admits.
The 47-year-old, who grew up in Ayrshire and used to play the region’s municipal courses, now has no excuse after winning the competition and joining Kilsyth Lennox.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the fairways after some back trouble,” he says. “I’m also looking forward to being part of a club. I’d say I’m off about a 13 or 14 handicap.
“Kilsyth Lennox has had changes and upgrading and it’s a nice course now. I’ve had a warm welcome and hopefully my game will be more competitive and consistent. Thanks to the Scottish Golf Union for running such a great competition.”
Robert and Andrew are enjoying all the great benefits of being a golf club member, including the flexibility to choose when you play and how often, the opportunity to play competitions and lower your handicap, the long-term friendships you can make and the great value offered by golf clubs across Scotland.
There are more than 500 clubs to choose from, with many offering flexible payment options, new membership categories, reduced or no joining fees and other special offers.
You can find your local club by visiting our club directory at SGU Golf Central. Simply click on the map of Scotland and find all the clubs in your area offering membership opportunities.