Reay Golf Club sets out plans for new green-keeping facility and indoor coaching area
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Reay Golf Club has set out ambitious plans for a replacement green-keeping facility incorporating an indoor coaching area.
As well as bringing improvements to course management, the proposals are aimed at helping Reay benefit from the growth in golf tourism in the north as well as supporting the club's renowned youth coaching programme.
Existing storage sheds would be demolished and replaced by “a fit-for-purpose facility”.
The club's planning application to Highland Council is backed by a supporting statement from local architects Knight & McDonald.
It says the existing green-keeping provision “falls well below a reasonable standard” and explains that the club is keen to support its head greenkeeper Jason Norwood.
The club also sees an opportunity to support the delivery of its junior golf coaching programme which has been recognised as exemplary by the sport's governing body, Scottish Golf.
“Particular credit for this goes to Evan Sutherland who, ably supported by a considerable number of volunteer members, has given tirelessly and freely of his time over many years to help not just Reay but other aspiring junior golfers in the far north set out on their pathway to a lifetime of golfing pleasure and excellence,” the statement says.
The project would involve an energy-efficient, low-lying building nestling into existing contours at Reay. "The building's visual impact will be further mitigated by the creation of natural contour mounding when viewed from the golf course and clubhouse," the statement says, adding that shrubs would be planted nearby.
The indoor coaching area would be sited at the western end of the building, facing the clubhouse and with direct access to the three-hole junior/beginners course.
The statement says the facility, if approved, will bring “environmental planning gain to the area”.
It points to the proximity of the North Coast 500 tourist route and the potential for Reay to benefit from golf tourism. This, it says, “will help the club achieve greater financial profitability and sustainability” while at the same time creating potential spin-offs to other tourist-related businesses locally.
