a3 newsletter - Askernish Golf Club

ASKERNISH GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER

# 003 - WINTER 2012

ASKERNISH GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER

# 003 - WINTER 2012

Donald MacInnes’

Club Captain’s Message

Visit The Outer Hebrides & Golf at Askernish!

THIS ISSUE FRONT • Captain’s Message • Mr Gordon Stollery

The Outer Hebrides offers an unspoilt island holiday unlike anything else in the world. Golf at Askernish is just one of a number of outdoor activities that you can enjoy; the Islands offer exceptional fishing, and wildlife spotting, miles of white sandy beaches & hilltop trails, taste the freshest seafood, or travel the local craft-trail visiting artists and craft studios. For more information go to:

PAGE 2 • Holes in One! • Junior & Beginner Golf • 2012 ‘Pathway to Golf’

www.visit-uist.com or www.visithebrides.com

PAGE 3 • ‘The Old Tom Open’ 2012 • 2012 Open Golf Weekend

Just read what people are saying about us..... The Outer Hebrides is the only United Kingdom destination to have made its way into the Wanderlust Top 100 World Travel Experiences.

BACK • Visiting The Outer Hebrides & Golfing at Askernish

“You don't have to travel to far-flung destinations to enjoy a picturesque ferry ride. Scotland's stunning Hebridean islands create a mesmerising backdrop....” Top Ten Ferry Journeys in the World

Britain's Best Courses Under ￡50

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Donald

Gordon Stollery April 30, 1947 - December 12, 2011

Mr Stollery’s involvement at Askernish came through consulting Architect Martin Ebert - who had designed Goodwood Golf Club for him in Toronto, Canada – and recommended a visit to Askernish. His first words on standing at the seventh tee were "this could be the best golf course in the world." He generously volunteered to help with the restoration costs and without his contribution the course would never have been completed in 2008. His infectious enthusiasm for golf and life in general made every conversation with him an enlightening experience. In 2012 we will be remembering Gordon Stollery in both the member’s competitions The Angus Glen Trophy, and a new event - The Gordon Stollery Memorial - as part of the Askernish Open Golf Weekend in August.

“Askernish is closer to a perfect 10 than any other course.....”

“Out of this world, Askernish offers a unique story and experience”

Looking forward to next year there are 3 events taking place to keep Askernish in golfers thoughts, T he Open Golf Weekend in August which has been a great success since 2008, the Western Isles SGU County Championship which is being held at Askernish for the first time in June and The Old Tom Opem Competition which gets the new season underway in March- this is a new event and being early in the year will give golfers an opportunity to play on a course that is playable all year round! These events along with club competitions will make for an exciting season ahead. Finally thanks to everyone who helped make 2011 such a good year for the club and lets make 2012 even better! See you on the links,

Gordon Stollery, a central supporter in the restoration of Askernish Golf Club, has passed away aged 64. An oil and gas entrepreneur, Mr Stollery, having a life-long love of the game and being a player of some talent, took-on and developed Angus Glen Golf Club which was founded by his father. Angus Glen has become one of Canada’s most successful public golf developments, and has hosted the Canadian Open twice.

The listing - nominated and voted for by the magazine’s readership - saw “Roaming in the Outer Hebrides” listed alongside Diving the Great Barrier Reef, and White-water Rafting in Nepal.

John Garrity, Golf Writer

With a new year upon us it’s a good time to look back on what has been a successful year for the club. Visitor numbers and new members have seen an increase which bodes well for the future whilst the overall condition of the course has improved with the work carried out last winter taking the enjoyment of the course and the golf (Ralph excluded) to a new level. It is with a great deal of sadness that we have to pass on the news of Gordon Stollery’s passing in this newsletter. Mr Stollery supported the restoration of Askernish from the very beginning and without his contribution, it is unlikely the endeavour would have been possible. Every round of golf that is played here is a tribute to Mr Stollery’s belief in our vision to restore golf at Askernish.

A S K E R N I S H G O L F C L U B

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INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ASKERNISH GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER

ISSUE N°3

# 003 - SUMMER WINTER FALL 2012 2011 2009

Beginner & Junior Golf at Askernish

INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ASKERNISH GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER

ISSUE N°3

# 003 - SUMMER WINTER FALL 2012 2011 2009

‘The Old Tom Open’ - 30th & 31st March 2012 Ladies Beginners taking part in a ‘Try Golf ’ Day

Askernish has endeavored to promote the game of golf to the local community with the aim of making golf more accessible, and affordable in Uist than anywhere else in Scotland. 2011 has seen a dramatic upturn in the local community’s participation in golf - as people from South Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula and North Uist flocked to take part in FREE Open Days & Coaching from our PGA qualified volunteer Golf Coaches, and many joined the club as part of our Beginner’s Membership Scheme. As a result Askernish Golf Club is delighted to say that for the first-time ever we have over 100 Island-resident members of the club, and we now have burgeoning Junior and Ladies sections many of whom have taken up the game for the first time.

Askernish Golf Club is holding a 2012 season-opener to remember on the 30th & 31st of March. Golfers taking part in the inaugural “Old Tom Open at Askernish” will be treated to two days of golf and unique Hebridean island hospitality in an unforgettable island setting. Stableford and Strokeplay Championships will take place over the dramatic links course with players able to compete with their modern clubs, or brave souls can tackle the course with traditional Hickory Golf Clubs…. the way Old Tom would remember the game! At the end of each day there will be a chance to unwind and enjoy South Uist as you partake in the finest local foods at the historic Hebridean retreat of Grogarry Lodge, and dance the night away at the Presentation Ceilidh! The entire 2-days event including all golf and socialising is available for a one-off price for just ￡30! Advance booking is required and can be made by emailing [email protected]. For further information on the event,go to www.askernishgolfclub.com This event is supported by Scotland’s Islands (www.scotlandsislands.com)

We would like to recognise the support of Storas Uibhist, Uist & Barra Sports Council, CnES Active Schools, Western Isles NHS, ClubGolf, and The R&A in delivering such successful outcomes for our Junior & Beginner golf.

2012 - The Askernish ‘Pathway to Golf’ In 2012 our Junior and Beginner development will take a new step as the ‘Pathway to Golf ’ is introduced; a coaching and membership programme created to allow people of all ages and abilities to take part in golf at Askernish. With a range of club membership’s to suit everyone, equipment to borrow and coaching available through the summer we hope to get plenty of new people interested in golf ! Further information about the ‘Pathway to Golf ’ and membership forms can be picked up from the clubhouse and online at www.askernishgolfclub.com School kids from Iochdar School

2012 ASKERNISH OPEN GOLF WEEKEND

The flagship event of Askernish’s annual golfing calendar! ENTRIES NOW OPEN!!!! The Askernish Open Golf Weekend 2012 will take place on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th, and Sunday 26th August 2012. Friday 24th Mackenzie & Ebert Quaich (18-holes, Stableford) Saturday 25th

2011 Hole-in-Ones!

Askernish Open Championship (18-holes, Strokeplay) Evening Presentation Ceilidh (non-golfers welcome!) Sunday 26th

2011 saw a spate of Hole-in-Ones around the Askernish machair, perhaps this is testament to the improving conditioning of the course, perhaps people are becoming more familiar with the restored layout, or perhaps ‘Old’ Tom has been particularly kind to us this year! Whatever the reason we can now confirm that all of the restored par-3s at Askernish have been ‘aced’! March - Ralph Thompson (Askernish GC) : Temporary 17th Hole

Gordon Stollery Memorial (18-holes, Texas Scramble) * All competitions in the Golf Weekend are Open to Men, Ladies, and Juniors (aged 13+) with prize sections for each.

Entry into the event costs just￡35 which includes all three days golf and the Presentation Ceilidh!

July - Donald ‘DK’ McPhee (Askernish GC) : 17th Hole August - Niall MacPherson (Benbecula GC) : 11th Hole October - Danny Keeney (Ireland) : 14th Hole

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Ralph Thompson


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Niall MacPherson C O M

It is expected that demand for places will be high, and entries will be handled on a first-come first-served basis. Entry forms are now available for download from the golf club website, these can be returned by post or emailed to [email protected]

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