Greens Report to 2025 AGM
The beginning of 2024 season was significantly affected by increased rainfall…by end April rainfall was 37% greater than long term average for the year and rainfall in April was 61% greater than average. This severely hampered the ability to access many parts of the course with mowers. In May, temperatures spiked, which resulted in a growth surge on the wet course, which compounded the problems with cutting. This highlighted shortcomings with the equipment and greenkeeping resources that have been addressed in the 2025 machinery review and labour plan.
Plans to start addressing the inherent drainage and soil problems on the Front 9 began with the formation of a Drainage Strategy Group who prioritised the low-lying 1st and 9th fairway areas and investigated different options for improving this. A trial/test of vertical drains was carried out by Groundwater Dynamics in mid-May, but it was considered that the results weren’t conclusive, so this was not pursued.
Following further investigations, including talking with various contractors, consultants and greenkeepers, gravel banding was considered to offer the best chance of success. Self-installing was found not to be an option for various reasons including the equipment not being available to hire in our area. It was also found to be virtually impossible to get a contractor to come to Aberdeenshire in 2024 since they were all pre-booked. We were able to secure a booking in mid-Sept only due to a cancellation. Funds weren’t available for an entire installation of all the drains that would ideally be installed as part of a gravel band installation, so secondary drains on the 1st and 9th fairways will be installed in 2025.
The occurrence of floods in the past 6 months has been the worst experienced in living memory. The Modley Burn has burst its banks on 4 occasions since Oct 2024. The first occurred on 16 Oct (only a few days after the gravel banding was completed), then again on 23 Nov, 8 Dec and 28 Dec. The first three instances resulted in major flooding of the 1st and 9th fairways while the last resulted in an overspill on to the 7th fairway only. It seems clear that the new drainage helps the flood water disperse quicker than before, but the major floods have resulted in saturation of the soils which becomes virtually impossible to dry out in winter temperatures and conditions. Irrespective of the gravel banding and additional drainage installed in this area, the occurrence of major floods will cause future problems for our course.
I have noted 2 (historical) instances of the flows into the Modley Burn having been significantly increased due to actions of 3rd parties. (1) a circa 400mm dia pipe that appears to discharge from the Ness Circle area (probably installed when Barratt were building houses in this area in 1980s, but doesn’t appear to be a formal installation). This pipe flows virtually full bore after heavy rainfall. (2) significant flow has been channelled into the burn via new drains and culverts installed when the A948 by-pass was constructed circa late 1990s. These should have been addressed at the time, but no one I’ve spoken with has knowledge of that having been done. I believe they have significantly compromised the golf club because no account was taken of the fixed size of the outfall culvert that already existed from the 6th green to Hospital Road, and when the flow exceeds the capacity of this culvert it results in the course being flooded.
It was acknowledged in 2024 that 2 greenkeepers isn’t sufficient for essential maintenance our course and a third GK (Craig Anderson) was recruited in June. The club has committed to maintaining the 3 GKs in 2025, but the cost of this needs to be met from increased income or cost savings in other areas. Increased income needs to come from increased membership and visitors, and also increased sponsors and corporate members.
As well as a third GK there will be more involvement of volunteers in the cutting (specifically the tees and aprons) in 2025. It’s worth noting that historically MGC employed 4 full-time GKs as well as seasonal workers in the summer-time.
Machinery changes are being implemented in 2025 to assist in resolving problems that were experienced in 2024. A lightweight articulated towed rough mower (ex-demo) is being lease financed which should be usable in softer ground conditions and will be better at following ground contours to give a more consistent cut. A self-propelled cylinder mower (used) is being lease financed for use specifically on tees and aprons. In 2024 the same mower was being used for tees, aprons and bunkers, and it’s use on bunkers dictated a 17mm cut height which is too high for tees and aprons. A new trees mower (mid-deck Iseki) is being lease financed with the old one used as a trade-in.
By the combination of greenkeepers, volunteers and the machinery changes, we believe it will be possible to cut all areas of the course twice weekly in 2025. Note that this will not be the case every week depending on weather conditions. Sometimes some members seem to forget that it’s not possible to cut in all weather conditions and then there is a catch-up needed. We hope in 2025 that the catch-up periods will be shorter.
In 2025, the club has virtually no budget for course improvements that involve a significant materials cost, e.g. pipes, fittings, aggregates, turf, sand etc.. This is unlikely to change unless there’s a significant increase in club income. If we had sufficient funds we would be prioritising drainage and paths which are needed to take some traffic off the fairways. Compaction from machinery, carts, trolleys (now much heavier than in the past) and foot traffic has an effect on soil conditions and surface drainage, but in the past, little has been done on our course to address this. Unfortunately, funds aren’t currently available for such improvements and therefore, we will try to undertake improvements that primarily involve labour and can be undertaken by volunteers. As well as the Thursday volunteers who contribute immensely to golfers’ convenience and enjoyment of the course, we need other club members to be willing to volunteer for specific projects. It doesn’t need people to do on-going regular work, but does need people to be willing to do a few hours intermittently or in batches so that we can complete projects quickly to enhance the course.
The construction of Ecobunkers is a low-cost project that saves GKs time in the long term and improves the course aesthetics and playability. It was proposed by Bill Shepherd in early 2024 and he was able to acquire artificial turf that’s used for the bunker faces at no cost. A review of bunkers is currently underway, and we want to reconstruct some of these as ecobunkers before the 2025 season begins. A further load of artificial turf has been acquired FOC. There is a license fee to pay for each bunker as it’s a patented design. Nonetheless, it is still a low-cost improvement with a long-term gain in reducing maintenance time, which frees up GK’s time for other tasks. It is our aim to fund the license fees with our “name your bunker” promotion that gives members an opportunity to make a lasting mark on the course for a small sponsorship fee. A number of members have already expressed willingness to do this and we hope more will come forward.
During 2024 a Greens Committee was set up, which has been extremely worthwhile and brought about numerous benefits. I want to thank Dot Mackinnon, Ronnie Yule, Sandy Aird and Scott Sim for their time, knowledge, enthusiasm and contribution of ideas which go towards making the course better for all members. They are a great example of what can be achieved from teamwork.
2024 presented many difficulties to the greenkeeping staff and I want to thank them for their work throughout the year. The beginning of the year presented a set of weather and ground conditions that have never been experienced before, but they may be again. They persevered in difficult conditions and at times were the subject of criticism from people that didn’t have full knowledge of the circumstances. We are better prepared having experienced last years difficulties. During 2024 Bill Shepherd had a major hand operation so was out of action for a period. Thanks is due, during this time to Innes Reynolds and John Geddes who stepped up and worked exceptionally hard with limited assistance. I’m also thankful to John for working far more than his usual hours in order to help us through the challenging periods in 2024. I thank all our greenkeeping staff for their work including Craig who is fitting well in their team and learning every week.
House Report to 2025 AGM
Overall the bars and kitchen were well supported not only by members but a range of entertainment and various other events.
Changes are underway for the bar with a greater relationship being formed with Tennents. They have always said that volume through draft bar sales would allow them to support the club with a range of sponsorships. We have accepted their proposal of supplying all the draft products. Also we are looking at extending this, with Tennents supplying wine and spirits in the near future. This is an ongoing process but will be a very positive move overall for the club.
New menus are underway for catering and these will come into play in March. A number of other catering events will take place with theme nights, carvery's and BBQs throughout the year.
Senior Report to 2025 AGM
Attendance over the Summer months was consistently in the high 30’s – averaging 39 during the main Seasonal peak playing time.
In Winter we are also seing improved numbers – creeping up towards 30/32 most weeks when the weather allows.
The adjustment to the Prizegiving of Sweepstake monies payouts by dividing into two handicap sections has resulted in more golfers picking up winnings than in previous seasons – so this is most welcome.
The introduction of the Magic 2’s Sweep has been welcomed and again we have seen a good spread of winners throughout.
We’ve lost a few regular members from the Monday Groups for a variety of reasons – guys like :
Abby Davidson /Eddie Bicocchci /Ali Michie /Alan Neil / Martin Pucci / David Barclay / Bill Reed
It is hoped that some of these players will get back to fitness soon and be able to resume their playing career with us.
In a small way this has been offset by picking up a few members from Craibstone GC and we hope these chaps are enjoying their golf at Ellon GC when the opportunities present themselves.
I understand we are also to gain a few new members from Longside GC as uncertainty hangs over their participation in BSGA and CADS competitions – so look forward to welcoming them to the Club on a Monday morning.
Results of various Open Competitions and Friendly matches as follows ;
Stableford Open – 31/5/24
Division One – T Duncan - 36 Points
Division Two – K Thompson – 35 Points
Division Three – A Fordyce – 35 Points
Medal Open – 5/8/24
Division One – G Killin – 65 Nett
Division Two – F Duncan – 66 Nett
Division Three – L McLean – 63 Nett
Friendly Matches :
Turriff GC – Away – 7/6/24 – Lost 5 and 1
Rosehearty GC – Away – 5/7/24 – Lost 6 to Nil
Ythan Challenge v Newburgh GC
Away leg on 19/8/24 – Newburgh led by 15 Points
Home leg on 26/8/24 – Ellon led by 54 Points
Overall Ellon won by 39 Points
Golf Outing to Duff House Royal GC in September
Ali Michie Shield – Winner – R Murray – 36 Points Runner up – R Garden
Yellow Ball Challenge – Winning Team – Lol Coughlan / Mile Keith / Lawrie McLean
Nearest Pin – Mile Keith
Longest Drive – Billy Fowlie
Must Improve Award / Wooden Spoon – A D Smith
Thanks to all who assisted “On the Box “ this Season , who coordinated scoring etc during the Opens and Friendlies .
Last but by no means least to Sandra for putting up with all of my requests and also for helping out all of the Seniors on a Monday at sometime or other throughout the season – there’s always someone who doesn’t have their Membership Number on a Monday morning .
Match & Handicap Report to 2025 AGM
Last season was much better as far as the SGU app was concerned with only a very few people having problems, which were dealt with when noticed by whoever was doing the scoring for that comp. No one last season sent in an email with the holes scores so that type of problem was not dealt with as no email no score.
The club comps went relatively well, there has been a drop in entries since the lockdown for whatever reason.
The main concerns with the comps are people not putting names forward or contacting the relevant comp officer to get an extension or even writing something on the comp sheet. The contact number is on the sheet for the comp officer, even a text would do to provide a clue to what's happening.
There were a few problems with comps, people not informing the comp officer as to what was happening, this led to one of the M & H resigning which was unfortunate so please keep us informed.
The other is getting matches played on time and leaving it to the last day, please remember matches can be played any day not just the last day available.
The Turnishaw comp proved problematic due to several issues and has been extended to the Wednesday before the 25 season begins to allow it to be played.
A member emailed M&H with a suggestion to increase the handicap allowance for the Pars Competition from 18 max to 24 max handicap for men, he thought this might be worth a try to see if we could get more entries. This was discussed by M&H and it was decided by a majority to give it a try to see if there are any more entries, so for the 25 and 26 seasons we will try it and hopefully it will be a success.
Corporate Report to 2025 AGM
We have one new returning corporate member during 2024 and we thank all our corporate members for their continuing support.
The Golf Club advertising screen was installed in the back corridor at not cost to the club. The club are still to receive any advertising revenue but it is being used for our own advertising.
Unfortunately we were also unsuccessful for the application to The National Lottery to turn the meeting room into a simulator. The proposal for the change is still ongoing.
We have had no communication from our application to Business Energy Scotland, a Scottish Government initiative to reduce energy costs despite several attempts by ourselves.
Ladies Section Report to 2025 AGM
To begin, I would like to express our thanks to Amanda Farquhar who, having now completed a second spell of captaincy, has contributed so much to both the Ladies’ Section and the Club. She leaves her post with our appreciation and thanks for all that she has done.
I am settling into my role as Lady Captain and have a very supportive committee behind me: Alison Ross, Vice-Captain; Lorna Cockburn, Secretary; Amanda Farquhar, Match and Handicap; Sandra Low, Lynne Anderson, Zena Gourlay and Fiona Campbell.
Thanks also to the ladies who acted as reps of the club in external competitions: Andrea Thomson – Buchan Seniors; Elaine McIntosh – Robertson Cup; Fiona Campbell – Aberdeenshire County Ladies; Eileen MacIntyre – Bennachie League.
Nicola Fraser, Sandra Low, Amanda Farquhar, Alison Ross and Andrea Thomson are also to be thanked for the regular coaching they have started with Junior Girls. There is a lot of enthusiasm being shown by these juniors and hopefully this will translate into a thriving Junior Girls Section with them moving forward into the ladies in the future.
As a section, the highlight of our year must be the wonderful effort put in by our ladies in the Robertson Cup. On a very wet and dreich September day, they beat Inverurie 6-2 to bring the trophy back to MGC after 6 years. A great day was had and huge congratulations go to all the ladies who played throughout the competition. I must also mention the time and effort that our outgoing rep, Elaine McIntosh, put in to ensuring that all ran smoothly over the course of the competition.
Our appreciation also goes to all the ladies who represented the Club in either a team or individual event at any time through the year.
The Ladies Club Champion for 2024 was Fiona Campbell and Jackie Guthrie was the Handicap trophy winner. Congratulations to them and to all the other winners in the Ladies Section. The list of winners can be seen on the club’s website.
In the Champion of Champions competitions, Fiona Campbell and Eileen MacIntyre represented the club. Sandra Low and Andrea Thomson were our reps in the Coronation Fours Regional Finals.
The team finished mid table in the Bennachie League – an improvement on last season. Six ladies attended the end of season Texas Scramble and AGM/prizegiving at Kintore. Although we had no winners, a great day was enjoyed by all.
The BSLGA open was attended by 61 ladies with Sandra Brockie winning Division 1 and Eileen MacIntyre coming 3rd in Division 2. We have changed the date this season, to avoid a clash with our Stableford Open. In October we hosted the AGM/Prizegiving as usual. Sandra Brockie was runner up in Division 1.
Forty-two ladies took part in our Stableford Open with Wendy Dyson from Peterhead coming out on top. Home players did well with Yvonne Carr winning Division 1 and Alison Ross and Colette Penny finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in Division 2.
The Ladies Texas Scramble had 7 team entries.
Our fun day in August took the form of Bingo, Bango, Bongo.
Our annual weekend trip to Drumoig was thoroughly enjoyed by 17 ladies.
On a fine day in August, we travelled to Kemnay for our ladies outing and although not among the prize winners, 21 of us had a great day out.
We have had a very successful social calendar this year and have been able to raise £3345.30 for club funds. Our events included 2 coffee mornings, a beetle drive, 2 ladies afternoon teas, our Christmas dinner and 2 ladies opens. Huge thanks to Gordon, Terri and their staff for always being so supportive and producing lovely food for us to enjoy. Caleb and the bar staff also put a lot of effort into ensuring that our first Tipsy Tea afternoon wouldn’t be our last – the cocktails went down a treat! I must also thank everyone for all the donations given to the raffles. This is always a great way of raising funds. Finally, thank you to all members and guests for supporting the committee by coming along and enjoying these events.
The Ladies Section has supported various charities with Our Breakthrough Breast Cancer Brooch donation, Red Cross Eclectic and our Winter Eclectic going to a local charity – 2024’s being Rainbow Rogues.
At our AGM in September, it was decided that there would now be 2 time slots on Medal and Stableford Final Days in September i.e. 8-9am and 1-2pm. This would ensure that all could play at a time suitable to their needs. It was also emphasised that all must play with another finalist.
Unfortunately, the weather this winter has again played havoc with any attempts to play, with the front 9 being out of action since December and the whole course being closed for most of January. However, thanks must be given to the Greens Committee for all the work being done to improve drainage, bunkers and the course in general.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Towsey and Margaret Johnston, both long-time members of the club.
Finally, the running of the club is down to all the different teams so a huge and appreciative thank you must go to the Club Council, Greenkeeping Staff and their wonderful volunteers, Ladies Committee, Bar Staff, Catering Staff, the Pro Shop and anyone else whom I might have forgotten.
Last but by no means least, we can never forget our administrator, Sandra. Thank you for all you do. Your support is incredible and we all appreciate you.
Junior Section Report to 2025 AGM
This season has been very poor with the Juniors playing Medals on Thursday’s. Only 3 playing, more often only 2 and most with 0 playing resulting medals being cancelled. The club competitions didn’t fare any better with competitions cancelled, those that did take place had only two playing resulting in a final being played just to get a result. Club Championship didn’t fare any better only 3 played and one getting a bye to the final.
This year’s Rotary Junior Open was cancelled no entries.
The club has 98 junior boys 14 girls with only a few with handicaps. What can be done to encourage those to play in club competitions & medals? Juniors that are playing prefer to play golf without having to play medals or club competitions.
Pennant no involvement this year as team of 6 required. This is the first time in over 20yrs McDonald Golf Club haven’t been able to enter a team.
OFF THE TEE. We had to withdraw no juniors available 4 were required.
I had request from a teacher at Auchterellon Primary School who were organizing a health week in May. She was wondering would there be a chance they could work with the golf club to introduce some of the pupils to golf. This was arranged for the 14th May when 79 boys & girls from 3 classes came to the club. They were given the basics regarding stance, holding the club with proper grip, putting on the green, 7 iron practice at the nets. Emphasises were on fun while learning golf, this was done with the help from Amanda Farquhar, Sandra Low, Andrea Thomson, Stewart MacLeod and Mitch Cabel.
Plans are to repeat this again May 2025?
As mentioned before few of the clubs competitions were played so to the few that were well done to the winners.
- Club Championship Day match between Matthew Zanre and Rhys Batty both players were playing good golf with Matthew leading the morning round, afternoon Matthew kept on the pressure and Rhys could not respond. Matthew eventually winning.
Hector Dey Trophy held at Portlethen Rhys Batty represented McDonald
1/Sept, – Spence Trophy 36hole qualifier at Portlethen Junior champion Matthew Zanre also Junior champion of Peterhead represented his home club Peterhead . Rhys Batty represented Ellon as junior champion runner up.
To try and encourage more juniors to play the club held Flag Days this year during school holidays we managed to program 7 events, had to cancel 1 in October due to weather. We had between 4 and 15 boys and girls playing in the fun events, even the rain and cold wouldn’t stop them enjoy playing, it may have been the free sweets crisps & drinks played a part in this.
A big thankyou to the people who helped on the day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sandra for her valuable help over the past year.Thanks also to Amanda Farquhar, Mike Keith, Stewart Macleod for the help with running the Flag days without their help the events might not take place.
Social Report to 2025 AGM
Entertainment Saturdays were well attended in this year with top attractions appearing with themed nights such as Italien/Chinese and Mexican linked in. Cost of our singers in 2024 were covered by the ticket sales and in turn allowed Cuthbert Catering and McDonald Bar to achieve excellent takings.
Christmas, Hogmany and New years day Parties were full to Capacity which led to great bar takings in excess of £6000.
Childrens Christmas party was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by kids,parents and grandparents.
The monthly bingo numbers have been steadily increasing from a level of 35 up to between 55 and 60 which has led to new social memberships being taken out.
The Birdie club draw has been done at the monthly bingo night and the monies taken over the year goes straight back into the Golf club bank balance.
Other social events such as Quiz nights from various groups such as The Ellon Rugby Club, Mens shed, Talking Newspaper and others have boosted bar sales in 2024.
Finally the ladies section has raised funds throughout the year organising coffee mornings, tipsy tea parties and other social events adding valuable funds into McDonald Golf Club.