MEMBERS WILL RE-OPEN LETHAM GRANGE COURSES EARLY APRIL

FROM THE DUNDEE COURIER WEBSITE
By Graeme Bletcher
A move by Letham Grange Golf Club members to save the course from permanent closure has been heralded as fantastic news for the tourism industry
An extraordinary general meeting was attended by over 200 members this week. It was decided the par-73 Old Course (18th hole view pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency on right) and par-68 Glens Course would re-open in early April.
The Scottish Golf Union and VisitScotland have applauded the efforts of the club, which refused to give up the fight after the resort was shut early this year.

Andy Salmon, Scottish Golf development manager, said it would be a "pretty rare set-up" to see an operating club run by the members and for the members.

"Letham Grange is a fantastic venue with two outstanding courses and it is welcome news for Scottish golf that the club have stepped in to keep it open," he said. "It is vitally important that our golf courses are well managed.

"I know a couple of guys from my team at the SGU have been working closely with Letham Grange members to try and work out the best way to set the club up. It is important for members to be able to carry on playing this course and to keep it open to sustain golf tourism in the Angus area."

He added, "Most clubs are run by larger groups and it is unusual to see members of the club taking over in a situation like this."
Greenkeeping and clubhouse staff were dismissed in January when the resort ceased trading due to an ownership dispute that has rumbled on for years. The club will sub-contract self-employed greenkeepers to maintain the tees and greens, but will not be able to employ any staff.
VisitScotland regional director Richard Pinn said, "Letham Grange has acted as a hub for golf holidays over the years so we are delighted it will re-open. The members are to be congratulated on this outcome and the speedy resolution ensuring the Old and Glens are playable for visitors in time for the season.

"Angus is in the fortunate position to have a wealth of quality golf courses and it's important this continues, as that's what makes the region so attractive to visiting golfers. Letham Grange and its golf courses clearly have a very important role to play."

Odyssey Asset Management has run the course since 2004, but Taiwanese businessman Dong Guang (Peter) Liu claims he still owns the business. Odyssey has agreed to allow Letham Grange Golf Club (LGGC) to run the course and provide limited clubhouse facilities until the legal battle for control is concluded.

New reduced price membership options are available for both the Old Course and Glens Course at Letham Grange.
For further details contact the club secretary at secretarylggc@aol.com