Dear Member,
Welcome to the first of my quarterly newsletters since taking on the Captaincy in December 2025. I hope, like me, you’re looking forward to the new season — it’s not far away now.
Committee & Club Leadership
Firstly, my thanks go to Bert Holt for taking on the role of Vice Captain this year, and to John Higgins and Andrew Pierotti for joining the Committee. I also want to thank all existing Committee members who have agreed to stay on and give their time to help drive our club forward.
As I mentioned at the AGM, communication is a priority for us, and I hope this newsletter helps keep you fully informed about what’s happening around the club.
Course Update
Although there’s less golfing going on over the winter, Kevin and the greens team have been working tirelessly. Recent works include:
- Clearing ditches & renewing paths
- Spraying winter nutrition on the greens
- Removing stones from several fairways
- Hand-cutting greens
- Revamping the shoe-cleaning area
- New steps at the 2nd tee
- Levelling the 3rd and 14th tees
- Installing new sponsorship frames (built by Past Captain Tommy Kelly and Committee member Jim Christie — thank you both!)
- Construction of three new tees at the 8th, 10th and 12th, creating our new Black Tee course
Scottish Golf have now provided a provisional course rating of 69.4 for the Black tees (White tees 68.9), with a slope rating of 126. These tees add around 100 yards and will not be used for standard competitions. They will be available for General Play once the turf is ready — the new 10th tee in particular is a standout addition.
As part of our 5‑year plan, Kevin has welcomed a new, experienced full‑time staff member as of 2nd March, and we expect delivery of an additional fairway mower shortly, helping the greens staff with cutting and preparation of the course.
Clubhouse & Facilities
When the weather improves, we will be repainting the exterior of the clubhouse, and may call on volunteers — look out for details.
We have approved a new raised outdoor decking area, accessible from the main lounge and from outside. To accommodate this, the practice nets will be moved to the small practice area beside the 1st tee, giving us a larger outdoor seating space. Some works may require golfers to access the Pro Shop via the top car park.
Inside the clubhouse, we are returning to a swipe‑card system for purchases at the bar. New cards, along with your 2026 bag tags, will be issued shortly.
Trolley & Locker Storage
A special thanks to Michael Gribben, whose excellent work has resulted in significantly more metal lockers being made available. Those on the waiting list have been emailed so please check your inboxes.
We also hope to have the new indoor trolley storage solution completed within the next few weeks, further improving the member experience and helping keep car boots a bit cleaner for those fortunate to get a space!
Catering & Events
Our Golf Scran food-ordering app is now live, allowing members to order food from the course or clubhouse and select a collection time that suits them. QR codes will be added at key points around the course soon.
Recent events — the Hogmanay Party, Valentine’s Night, and our Friday Night Quiz — have all been well attended. Upcoming events will be advertised as early as possible, including Mother’s Day on Sunday 15th March and the rearranged Race Night in support of our Junior Section.
Competition Entries — Please Book Early
With the season approaching, please remember to enter the Match Play events, Open competitions, and Renfrewshire Golf Union events as early as possible.
This helps the Match & Handicap team plan draws efficiently and ensures events are well supported.
Membership Update
We have introduced:
- A bespoke Corporate Membership, customisable to suit businesses
- The return of Country Membership
- A new “New To Golf” Membership, aimed at supporting beginners and encouraging new golfers into the game
Professional Services from Craig
Craig will shortly release the full Junior Coaching Programme and continues to offer:
- Coaching for juniors, ladies, gents and on‑course sessions
- Custom fitting across leading brands
- Price matching with online retailers
- Trade‑ins (matched with Golfclubs4cash)
- Powakaddy repairs and trade‑ins
- Regrips, reshafts, repairs
- Sourcing retail items not in stock
- Buggy hire
- Simulator hire for play or events
- UK and overseas golf holidays
Operations, Savings & the 100 Club
We have been reviewing and renewing contracts for energy, waste, and Health & Safety to reduce costs and reinvest in the club.
If you haven’t joined already, please consider supporting the 100 Club — just £60 per year, with monthly cash prizes and funds reinvested into small but important improvements such as painting, reupholstering and carpeting.
Finally…
That’s plenty from me for now. I wish you all the very best for the new season — unless I draw you in a competition! 😊
If you have any questions or just want a chat, I’m always available in person, by text, or by email.
Clark Hill
Captain, Fereneze Golf Club