Golf: Craigielaw reveal secrets behind Junior success

CRAIGIELAW continues to prove a shining example of how juniors respond positively to being treated on the same level as their elders at golf clubs.

The East Lothian club has churned out a whole host of talented young players over the past decade or so, including Shaun McAllister, Mark Hillson, Jane Turner and Gabrielle Macdonald.

It has also tasted success in team events, including the Home Nations Inter-Club Championship, in which they finished runners-up to Carton House from Ireland in this year’s final at Antequera in Spain.

“In terms of numbers we have always been able to maintain an active level with our juniors,” said Craigielaw club manager Derek Scott. “What I’d say our secret is, however, is the fact our juniors are regarded as members and are allowed to do the same as others members.

“There’s also a real interest in how they are doing – from the owners, the staff and all the other members – and that’s important as well.”

Things are also going well off the course at Craigielaw, where work is due to get underway soon on a new members’ lounge as well as a 25-bedroom golf lodge.

“It is a business we run here and, having been fairly successful, we wanted to put something back into the club,” added Scott of the Wemyss Estate-owned facility.