We hope everyone is keeping well and is in good health.

We are probably approaching the end of the initial part of lockdown and golf is likely to commence soon but we will continue to follow the SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S advice which at the time of writing is to “stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives”.

During this difficult lockdown period the committee, whilst focusing our main efforts to ensure a safe and secure future have also adopted a holistic approach to all areas of the club and thought it prudent to update you with some of the work that is being carried out.

The fantastic work Jim and his team have done over the last few years with the on-course experience it was felt necessary to try and progress the other side of the business to a level befitting the work already being done.

Obviously the COVID-19 outbreak and the consequent closure of the club brought finances into sharp focus and I wish to make special mention to our Treasurer Paul Dixon who has carried out a power of work in this regard to try and ensure we are as suitably protected as we can be.

All existing contracts that the club have been reviewed and mitigation been put in place where possible to try and protect our financial position. We have also made use of a free software program which has allowed us to collate all contracts and make them accessible in a central location thus reducing the endeavours moving forward with regards to renewals etc.

As you will be aware from previous updates we hope to have member accounts live on VMS soon and will forward details of how to top-up accounts in due course but again this was an area where we thought we had to progress as it provides many benefits including the potential for competition play even with the clubhouse closed and means no sums of money need be handled or kept at the club during times of closure.

Tee times are also an area of focus and will have to be adopted if we are to maintain a satisfactory level of social distancing once we can resume playing golf, this can be done on the App or contacting the office prior to arrival.

Another area where a lot of work has been done is the area of Marketing, Commercial activity and increasing our online presence. Part of the attraction in the VMS software system was the inclusion of a hosted integral website.

As our VMS focal point Eddie McDonald has been spending the last few weeks to try and get this new website up to a level where we can make it live. This new website is directly linked to VMS so any booking made via the website will directly link to the booking sheet and will allow us to receive payment online for both visitor bookings and our Open competitions which will greatly reduce the administration in these areas.

The website will also include a “Members Area” which can be used to access upcoming competitions and book tee times etc so in addition to the aforementioned options for booking a tee time there will also be an option to do via the new website also which in turn should capture members who do not make use of the App etc. All App users can access this content with their ScottishGolf logon details.

Obviously, the new website is still under construction but the web address to preview it is: https://fraserburghgolfclub.org/

you may have to copy and paste the link.

I would encourage all members to logon and preview the work Eddie has done up to this point. Options for content are under review but it will give a flavour for what’s on offer.

As part of his work for the website Eddie has also been researching the History of the Club and has included several interesting articles in the Club History page, A rich and varied history which we should all celebrate.

He has also amassed a great deal of press clippings from as far back to when the club moved from its original location at the links to our current location in 1891 and James Braid’s visit in 1922. The intention will be to integrate as much of this as possible onto the website.

I along with the rest of the Committee want to express a special word of thanks to Eddie for his work on this as building websites doesn’t form part of his day job!

Certain areas of the clubhouse has also seen a bit of a “freshen up” so thanks to Debbie and partner David in this regard also.

The new “Corbie Links” lottery is progressing, and we hope to share details on this very soon.

We appreciate your continued support, Stay safe, Stay Healthy.

Stephen Thomson
Captain
On behalf of the Committee

We hope everyone is keeping well and coping with the lockdown.

Just a quick update as we see things so far.

Recently it has been suggested in the media, social media and websites that there may be a relaxation shortly in the restrictions enforced during the current lockdown.
It does look promising that we may be able to resume playing golf in the not too distant future, albeit still with quite a number of restrictions in place. At present we can only speculate when this will happen and what these restrictions will be. You will all have seen in the media various dates being spoken about when we can resume but these have still to be confirmed. Also Nicola Sturgeon did say yesterday that Scotland has still to see the peak in cases and that any lifting of restrictions will not take place until we see a downturn.

We have been in contact this week with Scottish Golf and they, like us are waiting for word from the government when any lifting of restrictions can take place.
In anticipation we are are at the point where using VMS, we will be able to book tee times which looks like will be compulsory and we will also be able to credit our accounts to allow us to run competitions without having to handle money or enter the clubhouse. We will be giving instructions how to credit your accounts within the next couple of weeks.

The R&A have issued guidelines as to how we may come back out of lockdown but these have still to be confirmed. This will give you an idea of how things may play out over the next month or so.
https://www.randa.org/News/2020/04/Golf-in-the-UK-under-COVID-19-restrictions

In the meantime we have been looking at various ways of generating much needed revenue during this time of uncertainty. Next week we will be rolling out a monthly lotto style fund raiser where we have a £5 monthly draw with 50% going to the prize fund and 50% to the club. Full details how to enter to follow shortly.

We would also like to remind members that any donations to help out during these difficult times would be much appreciated and if you feel able to help out in any way you can contact Debbie in the office most days or contact any committee member.

Once again these are difficult times never seen the likes of before.
We appreciate your continued support, stay safe, stay healthy.

Stephen Thomson
Captain
on behalf of the committee.