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Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC: Brora GC in Sutherland has had twelve months like no other in its 130-year history. In common with many golf clubs, last March, it experienced the lows of the pandemic and the harsh reality of a much-reduced income. “We were flying high with consistently good visitor numbers and then […]

New recruitment in BASIS team

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Emma Kelly

New recruitment in BASIS team: BASIS has expanded its workforce with the recruitment of two new employees. Jade Prince and Tanya Kesterton join the team to take on two new roles as business development executive and head of digital learning, respectively. Jade has a background in environmental science and is FACTS qualified. “My role centres […]

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

New recruitment in BASIS team

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Emma Kelly

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Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Val Graham

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC: Brora GC in Sutherland has had twelve months like no other in its 130-year history.

In common with many golf clubs, last March, it experienced the lows of the pandemic and the harsh reality of a much-reduced income. “We were flying high with consistently good visitor numbers and then it all stopped dead,” said head greenkeeper, James MacBeath.

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

However, what happened next took everyone by surprise.

Resourceful enterprise from within the club, saw Brora launch a local membership campaign which ended up with global interest. Golfers from across the world rallied for the club that has Tom Watson, five times Open Champion, as an honorary member. Astonishingly, membership climbed from 500 to 700, which took in over £280,000 and the online sales in the shop reeling in over £40,000.

“It was just great that our plea was heard, and we were so grateful for such instant response,” continued James MacBeath.

But more good news was to follow. In March this year, after a four year initiative, the club became the landowner of its own links. For just the small sum of £70,000, including a £20,000 grant from the Trustees of local Kilbraur Windfarm, it was able to purchase the land on which it stands, from landowners Sutherland Estates.

“It’s all transformed so quickly. We continue to operate with two furloughed staff on rotation until September, so there are just three of us making sure the visitor experience is still as worthwhile. It’s hard going but we will come through. Once the club can move beyond all restrictions, we will be in good place,” said James MacBeath.

One of the upshots of a little more financial stability and an increased membership, was to bring in some additional equipment. While decisive about the machine required, the financial ups and downs meant it was essential to secure excellent terms. James MacBeath, in conversation with his opposite number, Muir Ross, at neighbouring Golspie GC, found out that both clubs wanted a Jacobsen Eclipse 322 greens mower in the same timescales, from dealer Fairways GM at Inverness.

“Talking it through with Muir, it made sense to buy these together to benefit from economies of scale and look for the best deal long term. John Morton, Area Manager at Fairways was happy to oblige especially as it was a second Eclipse for both clubs and he knew us both well.

“Now it’s here, it’s gone straight into use with the original one, bought in 2011, still going strong. Currently we’re out every morning at 5.30am five days a week and by mid June that will be up to seven days. Quality is always the determining factor for me when I choose a machine. The units on the Eclipse still beat all others in the market. It’s got to be to the required standard every time. A clean and professional finish is essential.

“However, it says a lot for both our clubs – that they have gone above and beyond to back their greenkeeping teams with machinery investments at the appropriate time. We’ve also been well served by the team at Fairways GM and they always make an effort to attend to us quickly.”

John Morton said: “Brora and Golspie’s arrangement to buy in tandem was a useful way to do business as they are just six miles apart. It’s testimony to the Eclipse’s quality of cut that they both decided to go for the same machine again. They are not alone choosing to upgrade their Eclipses but still retaining their older ones for the fleet.”

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New recruitment in BASIS team

June 15, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Emma Kelly

New recruitment in BASIS team: BASIS has expanded its workforce with the recruitment of two new employees.

Jade Prince and Tanya Kesterton join the team to take on two new roles as business development executive and head of digital learning, respectively.

New recruitment in BASIS team

Jade has a background in environmental science and is FACTS qualified.

“My role centres around promoting the courses, boosting membership and building the network around BASIS’ target audience”.

As part of her role, Jade wants to focus on raising awareness of the courses that BASIS offers to the younger generation. “I am already working to develop the business through recruitment of new members, creation of new relationships and networking with other industry organisations.”

Reflecting a move towards delivering more digital courses, Tanya Kesterton joins the BASIS team as head of digital learning. With a strong background in education and IT, Tanya is looking forward to building BASIS’ digital education capability.

“I want to look at supporting the current members and work on reaching a wider audience through our digital platforms,” she says.

New recruitment in BASIS team

“BASIS has a really strong vision for what they want to do and where they want to go, and I’m delighted to be part of this journey.”

For more information, or to get in touch with Jade or Tanya, please visit https://www.basis-reg.co.uk/team.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

New recruitment in BASIS team

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

New recruitment in BASIS team

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC

Second Jacobsen Eclipse for Brora GC: Brora GC in Sutherland has had twelve months like no other in its 130-year history.

New recruitment in BASIS team

New recruitment in BASIS team: BASIS has expanded its workforce with the recruitment of two new employees.

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