The Golf Business

A Fife whisky distillery has unveiled what is believed to be the first putting green at a Scottish distillery.

Kingsbarns Distillery, just outside St Andrews in the East Neuk of Fife, was founded by local golf caddie Douglas Clement back in 2009.

The Kate & Justin Rose Foundation partnership with Dryvebox UK has just delivered its 2500th golf experience for children in inner city schools.

The project, which started in February 2026, delivers a mobile golf simulator experience in schools in inner-city areas across the UK. With all equipment, golf lessons from a PGA qualified coach and the simulator experience itself being funded by the foundation, the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation and Dryvebox are providing exposure to golf and the opportunity that it inspires, where none has existed before.

“We’re delighted to pass this milestone within the first six months of the Dryvebox project,” commented Kate Rose, Chair of The Kate & Justin Rose Foundation. “Through the foundation we fund access, opportunity and inclusion, and our work with the team at Dryvebox delivers all three. 2500 young people have experienced golf in a fun, interactive way, and we’re seeing a huge enthusiasm not just for the Dryvebox, but for the sessions as a route into the game of golf.”

The Kate & Justin Rose Foundation has funded Dryvebox events since February, including sessions for children with special educational needs and for children at risk of exclusion. The project has been met with unanimous support from teachers and pupils, with repeat sessions already being booked across several schools.

“At every school you can feel the excitement as the Dryvebox pulls up,” commented Alex O’Brien from Dryvebox U.K. “There’s an immediate intrigue, and so many kids are really surprised when the sessions are so much fun. By changing those expectations of golf and removing all the barriers to entry we are inspiring them to take their next steps with the game. That might be the driving range, a pitch and putt or the next visit of the Dryvebox. Whatever it is, the sessions that the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation fund are showing kids who would never pick up a club that the game might be for them.”

With 50 Dryvebox sessions already booked in, the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation is aiming to fund golf experiences for 7,500 children each academic year in inner city schools. As well as the schools’ activity the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation is funding a full schedule of activity across the U.K. this summer providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people to experience the life-time rewards of golf as a sport.

Philip Woodcock, of Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club, has been named England Golf President Elect for 2027 and President for 2028

James Hare, Business Development Consultant at Foremost Golf, explains how a strong PGA professional can become a key driver of golf club success

Why PGA professionals matter more than ever to the modern-day golf club James Hare, Business Development Consultant at Foremost Golf, explains how a strong PGA professional can become a key driver of golf club success.

The wait is nearly over for one of this year’s most hotly anticipated new golf course design projects after The Dalaman Golf Club revealed that it will officially launch at the end of next month.

Managed by Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf and situated only 20 minutes from Dalaman International Airport, the new club and championship course will open its doors for the first time on Sunday, August 30.

Designed by the International Design Group, the layout is the first course to be built on Türkiye’s breathtaking Dalaman Coast, with the venue set to herald an exciting new era for golf tourism both in the region and the country.

“The Dalaman region has been gaining strong momentum as an international tourism destination over the past decade,” said Umit Yasar Atalay, general manager at Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf. “With its natural beauty, world-class hospitality infrastructure and increasing international air connectivity, the region is now ready to expand its tourism offering beyond the traditional summer season.

“Introducing championship golf at this stage is a natural evolution. Golf will help extend the tourism season, attract a new high-value visitor segment and create year-round economic benefits for the destination. We believe the timing is ideal to establish Dalaman as Türkiye’s next major golf destination.”

The Dalaman Golf Club has been created in one of the most ecologically rich areas in southwest Türkiye on a site bordered by long beaches, diverse vegetation and lakes that serve as a stopover for migratory birds.

Measuring 6,152 metres from the back tees (6,728 yards) and built on natural sandy soil using the finest sustainable practices, the par-72 course will feature sweeping uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean with standout holes set to include the 15th, a par five featuring a 25-metre drop from the tee flanked by a nature reserve on one side of the fairway and a lake on the other.

Complementing the course will be facilities including a 20-bay driving range, with ten bays featuring TrackMan Range technology, a putting green, a short-game area, a clubhouse, a restaurant and a halfway house.

Alongside The Dalaman Golf Club is the impressive Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf. Opened in 2009, the resort boasts an enviable location on the edge of the Dalaman River, where the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea meet, for guests to enjoy. Featuring a choice of luxury accommodation, the ultra-all-inclusive resort offers an outstanding array of sports and lifestyle facilities, a private beach and a wide selection of bars and restaurants showcasing a variety of local and international cuisines.

Atalay added: “From the beginning, our vision was to create a championship-level golf experience that would complement the destination and help extend the tourism season.

“Few destinations in the Mediterranean offer such a unique combination of natural assets. With the golf course located adjacent to and managed by Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Golf, guests will be able to enjoy a seamless experience between the course and the resort, and we can’t wait for people to come and discover everything on offer.”

Worcestershire's Gaudet Luce is installing a 72-panel solar array, voltage optimisation and EV charging, covering 22.8 percent of site electricity use and delivering over £315,000 in lifetime savings with a payback period of just over four years

Gaudet Luce to generate nearly a quarter of its power onsite in solar upgrade Worcestershire’s Gaudet Luce is installing a 72-panel solar array, voltage optimisation and EV charging, covering 22.8 percent of site electricity use and delivering over £315,000 in lifetime…

La Grande Mare in Guernsey has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Nic Bell as Golf Operations Manager, and Sandy Cronje and Paul Chalker joining the Golf Operations team under Nic’s management. The announcement comes as La Grande Mare prepares to open its new golf course to the public on 1 August.

Nic brings more than five years’ experience to the role, most recently from London Golf Club.

Having begun his career in the golf industry at just 16, Nic has developed expertise across golf operations, retail management, competitions, coaching support and member engagement. During his career, he was selected for a prestigious internship at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, where he gained international experience working alongside leading golf professionals at one of the world’s premier golf destinations.

At La Grande Mare, Nic will oversee the day-to-day operation of the golf department, leading the golf operations team while enhancing the experience for members and guests. His responsibilities include overseeing golf events and competitions, retail operations, team development and working closely with colleagues across the wider resort to deliver an outstanding golfing experience.

Ben Stimson, Managing Director at La Grande Mare, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nic, Sandy and Paul to the La Grande Mare team at such an exciting time for the resort. Nic’s experience, energy and passion for delivering exceptional golfing experiences make him an outstanding appointment to lead our golf operations.

“Just as importantly, it’s fantastic to be able to recruit such strong local talent. Sandy and Paul both bring invaluable knowledge of the club, the island and our golfing community, and together these appointments demonstrate the strength of the team we’re building ahead of our reopening on 1 August. As we continue to grow the resort team, we’re creating a fantastic mix of experienced professionals and local expertise that will help establish La Grande Mare as Guernsey’s premier golf and hospitality destination.”

The appointments form part of La Grande Mare’s continued investment ahead of its reopening, with recruitment continuing across the resort as it prepares to welcome members, visitors and guests from 1 August.

The investigation into a burglary at Worfield Golf Club on July 13, in which a 46-year-old woman was arrested, has led to the discovery of a cannabis farm, leading to three further arrests

Four arrested after burglary investigation leads officers to cannabis grow Four people have been arrested after a burglary investigation led officers to uncover a cannabis cultivation containing more than 100 plants.

An operator of several golf clubs in England has launched a six-week summer pass that can be used at five of its venues, which is aimed at families

Golf group launches summer pass for families An operator of several golf clubs in England has launched a six-week summer pass that can be used at five of its venues, which is aimed at families.