Radio show aims to raise the profile of Scottish golf

Alan Tait, director of golf at Dalmahoy, will host the show which is sponsored by Saltire Roofing

The first episode will also highlight the excellent junior programme that Bathgate runs under a former Dalmahoy pro, Stuart Callan.

The new show, which is being presented by Dalmahoy’s director of golf Alan Tait, will go out as a podcast to clubs affiliated to Scottish Golf. It is being sponsored by Edinburgh-based Saltire Roofing, whose managing director, Steven McIntosh, is a member of the Kirknewton club.

“Steven is a fantastic supporter of golf,” said Tait. “He sponsors the junior section here at Dalmahoy and has helped to take our junior membership from about 20 to over 100.”

Tait is aiming to use the show to highlight some of the good work being carried out at Scottish clubs at a time when it has become essential to try and make the game appealling to youngsters. “We are all aware club memberships have been struggling a bit here and in the UK, so we feel this is another way for clubs to promote themselves. We want them to tell us what they are doing and that may help to attract new members.

“On the first programme next week, we have Stuart Callan from Bathgate, where he runs a terrific junior programme. Every year eight Bathgate kids go to Croatia and the following year eight Croatians come over here and stay with members.”

While the show will also feature top tournaments, it is unlikely that Dalmahoy will return to its position as one of Scotland’s leading venues for events in the near future.

“Times have changed economically,” said Tait. “It’s a big financial commitment to stage events while members also get upset when courses are closed, so I can’t see that happening here in the near future.”

Down from the “dizzy heights of 900”, Dalmahoy currently has 550 members. “That’s a fairly nice number as 900 was too many,” said Tait. “650-700 is probably the magic figure.”