South Ayrshire Council is introducing a loyalty bonus for young golfers who play on Council courses, and who are now too old for a Juvenile subscription, in order to make the game more accessible to them in their early adult years.

Golfers between 18 and 21 years of age will be able to purchase an Intermediate Loyalty subscription, it will be dearer than a Juvenile subscription but priced considerably lower than a Residents subscription.

Charges for using Council golf facilities are reviewed annually and the charges set for 2007 have been kept as low as possible to enable locals and visitors to enjoy the facilities.  The Council is keen to encourage all young people to play golf so the price of a Juvenile subscription has been kept at the 2006 price.

Councillor Margaret Toner, the Convener of the Council’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee said:  “Many young people who take part in the Council’s Junior Golf Development scheme reach 18 years of age and for a variety of reasons stop golfing. 

“The Council is trying to encourage young people between 18 and 21, many of whom will be either in full time education, undertaking an apprenticeship or just starting work, to keep playing golf.   It is a great form of healthy exercise that can be played for life.  I believe that by encouraging young people to continue playing it will help to keep them involved in sport, keep them fit and nurture their golfing talent.

” There will be no increase in the cost of a Juvenile subscription, it will be the same as in 2006, this is another way in which the Council is hoping to make golf more attractive to young people.”

South Ayrshire is recognised as a world class golf venue, that regularly hosts the Open and attracts golfers from all over the globe who enjoy playing on some of the finest golf courses in the world. 

Many young people in South Ayrshire have been inspired to take up golf after watching others play the game and the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Action Plan recognises the need to encourage these players.  Young players need to be developed and nurtured so that hopefully South Ayrshire can produce world champion golfers in the future.

A Council golf subscription makes a wonderful Christmas present as it is a gift that can be enjoyed all year round.  Details of charges for all Council golf facilities in South Ayrshire can be located on the Council’s website at www.golfsouthayrshire.com/offers.html or by contacting staff on telephone number 01292 616255.

November 2006