Nestled within the beautiful Southern Upland hills, Moffat Golf Club has enviable views and an equally enviable history spanning almost 150 years.
But the stunning views and long legacy counted for little when it found itself on the brink of collapse five years ago.
Relatively busy during the summer months, the club was forced to close every year when temperatures dropped – the 19th-century clubhouse simply wasn’t fit for purpose through the winter months.
The club manager said: “To be successful, it’s not enough to have a great course; you need to be able to offer a welcoming social environment as well. And we simply couldn’t do that.”
An extension had been added to the original building some 30 years ago, but overall the clubhouse was cold and uncomfortable. Able to function only half of the year had led the club to the verge of bankruptcy.
“We believed the Club was saveable and set about making changes to how the business operated and was managed, which included identifying possible financial support to enable us to make vital improvements in the Clubhouse.”
The club contacted Business Energy Scotland and one of our specialist consultants carried out a detailed assessment of the premises, which include changing rooms, lounges, kitchen, dining room and office areas, and provided a report with recommendations.
“We have seen a 50 per cent drop in the amount of energy we use for heating.”
The club took advantage of a Scottish Government interest-free SME loan that came with cashback to fund our recommended upgrades, which included:
- Replacing existing lights with LEDS
- Wall and roof insulation
- Replacing single-glazed units with double glazing
“We have also installed external insulation and the overall transformation has been remarkable.”
The Clubhouse is now open all year round and with a growing social membership of over 130, everyone can enjoy the catering and refreshment facilities while taking in the superb scenery and views across Moffat. The golfing members now have a golf course and Clubhouse to be proud of.
Costs were kept down by utilising the skills of members in a real community effort to save the club and the improvements have been nothing short of extraordinary.
“We have seen a 50 per cent drop in the amount of energy we use for heating. The club has been transformed and we now have a product that is extremely marketable, not just on the playing side, but for events and private functions in the Clubhouse.
“Business is growing, we have staved off bankruptcy and we are moving towards greater financial stability.
“It simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support we received from Business Energy Scotland.”
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