Letter from the President

Dear Members,

I hope you have all had a great Christmas and are looking forward to playing golf in 2023. Thank you for voting me to be your President at the recent AGM. I feel very proud and privileged to be able to serve you in this role and I hope that you will support me in achieving my ambitions for Saltburn Golf Club in the times ahead.

Much has changed since I joined the club in 1995 when the general demand for the game was such that most golf clubs in the area had waiting lists. We now have a situation where, although demand is again high, there is almost a free movement of golfers trying out a range of clubs before deciding where to settle. One of my aims is to attract and retain a full share of golfers within our area by having our superb golf course presented in such a way that it is the most attractive in the area.

I have served on the Greens Sub-Committee for just over a year and have never failed to be impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm that all sub-committee members display for course presentation and improvement. This is not about changing the character of our course but following up on opportunities to improve wherever it is sensible to do so. For example, there are a number of areas of overgrown hawthorn that have been left unattended for many years and I would like to see these areas tidied or removed entirely. Rest assured, in looking at what can be done we have already consulted with the Forestry Commission, Ecology and Tree Surgeon experts before drawing up our proposed plans.

One area of golf club activity that could stand much improvement is in the general use of our clubhouse. Over recent years a rapid decline in the use of our club house has probably resulted from the Covid 19 pandemic and associated changes in social habits. It is a great pity that, with some of the best catering facilities available, we can not find ways to see it used much more extensively during daytimes and evenings. I would very much appreciate member’s suggestions and active engagement in this area to drive some much needed increase in clubhouse use and associated business.

In other areas, the Finance Sub-Committee headed by John J Dunn continue to do an excellent job. The Golf Club is in great financial shape and our aim is to keep it that way in the years to come. The Competitions team has gained some new members and we have an increased number of volunteers assisting with competition results and the forthcoming programme of club competitions. An area that deserves particular mention is the success of our “Open” competitions. Jim White, supported by a small team, stages a number of Open competitions throughout the year. These are massively popular and successful – a clear demonstration that Saltburn Golf Club is a highly desirable venue for golf in our area. The Ladies Open has also gone from strength to strength over the last five years and is enjoyed by ladies from all over the area. We used to hold an Am-Am competition on August Bank Holiday weekend each year and I wonder whether, if it were to be reintroduced, we might see further benefit through attracting category 1 golfers to our club? The Marketing team are constantly looking at ways in which the golf club can be promoted throughout the greater Teesside area and how we can secure sponsorship

My final point is about volunteer effort. All aspects associated with the day to day wellbeing and running of Saltburn Golf Club are the results of the considerable efforts of a number of dedicated volunteers who give up their time so that we can all enjoy what our great golf club has to offer. Whilst everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is not acceptable to destructively criticise how things are being managed without offering sensible alternatives and being prepared to offer your time and energy, if it is something that you feel so strongly about. The results of recent member surveys would indicate that the numbers of members willing to volunteer for roles in the running of the club are rapidly declining. At the current rate of decline, we are likely to have a serious shortage and problems to face in only four years’ time. I would ask that you give this your consideration and to approach one of the current club officers if there is an area that you feel you are qualified and able to contribute to. In the meantime I am looking forward to working with a new Executive Committee comprising eight existing members from last year, six new members and two experienced members from a few years ago that have re-joined. I’m sure that this will offer a great mix of experience and new thinking from which Saltburn Golf Club can expect to move from strength to strength in the year ahead.

Yours Faithfully,

Alan Taylor President