Greens Report to 2026 AGM

In 2025 our plan was to optimise the machinery changes that we made at the start of the year, and to get benefits from the mowers we had swapped out, to give our members a better course.

We managed to do this with the commitment of our 3 greenkeepers and the extraordinary contributions made by volunteers, and for this, we thank the greenkeepers and particularly the volunteers that have generously given their time throughout the year including the Thursday gang and Dot, Kevin and John who were instrumental in the cutting strategy last year.

In 2025 the condition of the course received many compliments which we're grateful for, but we also recognise that there were some things we can do better in the future.

We had some issues with the greens when we had drought conditions during the summer and we need about what we can do differently if this happens again. We are totally reliant on the Modley Burn for extracting water and it caused a problem when the water level dropped below our pump intake level. Other courses have installed boreholes and tanks that can help in this situation, but we need to weigh up that cost against the risk of a re-occurrence and also the other improvements that this money could fund. So a borehole and tank isn't a current priority but we can always try to be better at anticipating a re-occurrence and finding ways of reacting quicker.

As well as the day-to-day course care and maintenance, our long term plan is to improve the course drainage. In 2025 we experienced obvious benefits from the drainage improvements done to the 1st and 9th, 2nd (RHS) and 3rd (RHS) fairways. For 2026 our plan includes further projects that we think will improve drainage and we're prioritising these based on benefit and available funds. Recently, we've installed new drains at the 7th green and we're about to create a new outfall drain from the 8th fairway. A priority before the start of the new season is to improve the 2nd fairway drainage and we have a plan for this. The 2nd fairway will benefit from gravel banding and we are looking to buy a towed gravel bander so we can do this ourselves at considerable less than we spent on the 1st and 9th fairways. Then, we'll be able to do similar gravel band installation on multiple other fairways. We think this purchase will reap significant improvements over the next 5-10 years.

Other plans for 2026 include improving a number of key bunkers and also removing a few bunkers that don't add to the  playing quality of our course. We're also going to remove numerous old tree stumps all around the course that haven't been removed over many years, and plant young trees to replace these.

Delivering a better course over the coming years is what we'll continue to plan for. We can achieve this at the same time as costs are continuing to increase, by making steady yearly improvements and the making the best use of the resources we can afford, together with the invaluable contributions from our volunteers.

House Report to 2026 AGM

This has been a good year for both bar and kitchen. A relatively good summer with a number of outings, competitions and the regular food theme nights/ parties and carveries all contributing. 

Unfortunately we have a turnover of bar staff with Caleb moving on to do other things and Abagayle on maternity leave. Ryan joined us as bar supervisor but had to cut his hours for personal reasons. We did get new starts with Mia and Freya joining us. Volunteers working behind the bar has been a great help and this hopefully continue but we are looking for more volunteers to join us if anyone is interested. 

Also the new simulator has been very well received. 

A new compressor for shoe cleaning was installed last year and although we had some initial teething issues all is now good and it is working well. 

Thanks go out to all members for supporting the club house.

Senior Report to 2026 AGM

“ Well it’s been a good year overall for the Club and especially the Gents Senior Section.

The Golf Course has been in excellent condition throughout the year in thanks to good Greenkeeping ( now up to full staff complement ) - all volunteers - a dedicated Greens Committee fully supported by the Club Council ….and of course the weather was outstanding - so more of the same please for 2026

In regards to the Gents Seniors we had improved attendance figures over Summer ( +8% v last year ) . Our Winter Golf is holding up as well despite recent weather hiccups.

Monday Seepstakes and 2’s competitions continue to support competitive golf. All of our competitions ran to schedule with no major issues.

A good spread of winners throughout  the Section which is good to see.

Our two Senior Open Tournaments were well attended as usual and a good ratio  of Visitor / Member placings will help ensure returning Visitors next Season.

We did well in our Friendly Fixtures - unbeaten in fact.

At Insch - Draw away and a victory at home

Turriff - A draw in our Annual fixture , this time at home

Rosehearty - A win at home.

Ythan Challenge - A win by 39 points over the two games to retain bragging rights over Newburgh for this year.

In the Buchan Seniors we were very successful - Winners of the House of Commons Cup over Cruden Bay - winning putt on the final green of the final match in the final. We were also runner up in the League status - our best performance in years.

At the CADS competitions we again performed very well finishing 4th position out of 14 teams - once more our best performance in six years.

The Annual Golf Day  - this season at Alford -  was a very successful day with 34 members in attendance and a good day was had by all.

The Section performed extremely well  this year due mainly to everyone ‘ mucking in “ and helping out when necessary and there were far too many people involved to name them all…..so here’s to similar in 2026.

Match & Handicap Report to 2026 AGM

Very few problems with SGU app during 2025.

The club comps went relatively welll with very little help needed. The 2024 final of the Turnishaw comp was finally played in April 2025.

The main concerns with the comps are people not putting names forward or contacting the relevant comp officer to get an extension or even writing something on the comp sheet. The contact number is on the sheet for the comp officer, even a text would do to provide a clue to what's happening.

The other is getting matches played on time and leaving it to the last day, please remember matches can be played any day not just the last day available.

The  Pars Competition max handicap increased from 18 max to 24 max for 2025 to see if this would increase entries. 28 teams told part in 2025 compared to 32 teams in 2024 .  We have also been contacted from the member that donated the trophy who objects to the handicap increase, Therefore it will return to the original max handicap of 18 for 2026.

The Paul Trophy competition has historically been on a Monday but very few member take part, it's been suggested to move this competition to a Wednesday.  Although the fixture list had been printed with the Monday date. The Paul Trophy qualifiers and final will move to a Wednesday and we will notify members when a confirmed date is agreed.

Corporate Report to 2026 AGM

2025 was a very successful year for Corporate activities.

The highlight of the year was the introduction of advertising signs on the putting green and tees which generated significant income for the club. Our thanks go to Scott Sim and Ross Elrick for the hard work in creating and installing the signs.

Our Corporate Membership program continues to be popular and we currently have 8 local companies partnering with the club.

Our thanks also go out to individuals and organisations who generously donate to the club every year.

Our focus for 2026 will be to continue to market corporate sponsorship and signs to local companies. However one new opportunity exists to sponsor inserts which will line the inside of every hole cup on the greens. This will be a great way to get a company name seen by every golfer on the course.

If any members are aware of any local company who might be interested in taking up any sponsorship opportunity with the club, then please let Sandra know, or email corporate@ellongolfclub.co.uk

The club would like to thank the Corporate Committee for the hard work this year, but in particular Scott Johnston who really drove the campaign to sell the advertising signs and his efforts are much appreciated.

Ladies Section Report to 2026 AGM

To begin, I would like to thank my committee for everything they do to ensure the smooth running of the Ladies Section on both the golfing and social side. Without them, the Ladies Section would not be such an active and thriving part of the club.  Furthermore, we would not be able to organise events and so raise funds for the club.  

There were a couple of changes at the Ladies AGM in September:  Alison Ross, Vice-Captain; Lorna Cockburn, Secretary; Sandra Low, Zena Gourlay and Fiona Campbell all remain.  Fiona has taken over the role of Match and Handicap and Colette Penny and Andrea Thomson have joined the committee. 

Lynne Anderson and Amanda Farquhar resigned from the committee and we thank them for all their support and work done on behalf of the section. 

Thanks also to the ladies who acted as reps of the club in external competitions: Andrea Thomson – Buchan Seniors; Sandra Low – Robertson Cup; Fiona Campbell – Aberdeenshire County Ladies; Lynne Anderson & Jackie Guthrie – Bennachie League.  They are all continuing in these roles next season. 

Nicola Fraser, Sandra Low, Amanda Farquhar, Alison Ross and Andrea Thomson are also to be thanked for their continued commitment to regular coaching with the Junior Girls.   

Our Ladies Club Champion this year is Kelly Mechie – the first new name on the trophy in several years.  Making it a family double, Jackie Guthrie, Kelly’s mum, won the handicap section.  Congratulations to them both and to all the other winners in the Ladies Section.  The list of winners can be seen on the club’s website.   

Unfortunately, our Ladies Stableford Open had to be abandoned due to a torrential downpour.  Later in the summer, there were not enough entries for our Ladies Texas Scramble Open to go ahead. We have changed the date next season, hopeful that this might encourage more to enter. 

The team finished mid table in the Bennachie League after a series of very close matches frequently going down to the last hole of the final game. 

Due to the inclement weather, there were a lot of call offs but the BSLGA open was still attended by 37 ladies.  In October we hosted their AGM/Prizegiving as usual. 

The Aberdeenshire Ladies County Open had an entry of 21 with Fiona Campbell winning the scratch competition.  The Commonwealth Spoons qualifier was also held at McDonald.  Fiona and Jackie made it through to the finals. 

Fiona was selected to play for the County in their annual Jamboree. 

The ladies had a very successful year in local and national competitions. 

Fiona Campbell and Jackie Guthrie not only represented the club in the Bennachie Champion of Champions Trophy but also went on to win both scratch and handicap sections.  By winning the scratch, Fiona became the first player to bring this trophy back to McDonald and Jackie retained her trophy.  A great achievement by them both and a double for McDonald. 

Jackie and Fiona also played in the Commonwealth Spoons finals at Baberton and finished a creditable 6th.  Jackie competed in the Scottish Golf medal finals at The Carrick Loch Lomond and came in 5th. 

Sandra Low narrowly lost out in the EE Senior handicap final.  Jackie and Kelly finished 4th in the area finals of the Coronation 4s.   

Congratulations to them all for their fantastic achievements. 

This year we welcomed several new ladies to the section giving us a welcome rise in playing numbers.   We have enjoyed getting to know them all both on and off the course.   

Our fun day in August took the form of a Florida Scramble and we held a home ‘outing’, later that same month.  In September, in the footsteps of the Ryder Cup, our 12-hole captain v vice-captain competition saw us dressed up in team colours.  The vice-captain’s team of Europe took the spoils – just like the real thing! 

Our annual weekend trip to Drumoig was a great success and our thanks go to Amanda for her usual meticulous arrangements. 

We have had a very successful social calendar this year and have been able to raise £3121.75 for club funds. Our events included 2 coffee mornings, a beetle drive, 2 ladies afternoon teas and our Ladies Christmas dinner. Huge thanks to Gordon, Terry and their staff for always being so supportive and producing lovely food for us to enjoy.  Out thanks also to all the bar staff.  Caleb was always so helpful and we all wished him well when he left for pastures new.  It has been a pleasure welcoming Ryan into the role of bar manager and he is a welcome addition to the staff.  I must also thank everyone for all the donations given to the raffles.  This is always a great way of raising funds.  Finally, thank you to all members and guests for supporting the committee by coming along and enjoying these events. 

The Ladies Section continues to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Red Cross through our donations and eclectic. 

At our AGM in September, there were no issues raised. 

What a wonderful summer of golfing weather we had.  There were great scores being recorded and many a handicap reduction.  The course stood up well to the dry conditions and we reaped the benefit of the work which was done over the previous winter.  It was so unfortunate that some of the only days of rainy weather we did have, coincided with our opens.  

The winter season got off to a great start.  When the snow and frost closed the course for a week in November, we at least had our new simulator in place.  After a brief respite, the weather turned again and unfortunately, there has only been a limited amount of playing days over the winter.   

It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of Maureen Baber and Mary Thomson, both long-time playing members of the club. 

Finally, the running of the club is down to all the different teams so a huge and appreciative thank you must go to the Club Council, Greenkeeping Staff and their wonderful volunteers, Ladies Committee, Bar Staff, Catering Staff, the Pro Shop and anyone else whom I might have forgotten.  I would like to mention Andy McLaren who is doing a marvellous job in raising the profile of the club though social media.   

To Sandra, our administrator, a huge thank you.  Your knowledge and patience are boundless and nothing ever seems to be too much trouble.  We are very lucky to have you at McDonald Golf Club. 

Junior Section Report to 2026 AGM

This season has been very strange regarding the juniors, more are on the course playing non-competitive golf which is a good sign for the future of the junior section.  Thursday medals have been poorly attended with many being cancelled. The club competitions didn’t fare any better with competitions cancelled those that did take place could manage a semi- final and final.

This year’s Rotary Junior Open was cancelled no entries.

The club has 174 junior boys 22 girls with only a few with handicaps. What can be done to encourage those to play in club competitions & medals?

McDonald Golf Club were the host club for the District Junior competition qualifying rounds and Semi and Finals of 2025 season.

This year Mike Keith, Mitch Cabel set out a small 6-hole course on the back nine to encourage the younger members to play.

The club unfortunately had to withdraw from the pennant league and Off The Tee this year, hopefully with the increased amount of juniors playing we may manage a team next year?

Auchterellon Primary School who were organising a health week in May asked if they could visit the club .On  May 15th 4 classes 115 pupils  came to the club to be introduced to golf,  2 classes in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, were given the basics regarding stance, holding the club with proper grip, putting on the green ,7 iron practice at the nets.  Emphasises were on fun while learning golf, this was done with the help from Amanda Farquhar, Sandra Low, Andrea Thomson with the girls, Stewart MacLeod, Mitch Cabel with boys.

As mentioned before few of the clubs competitions were played so to the few that were well done to the winners.

Sandy Aird had contacted the Golf professionals at Murcar Golf Club and Cruden Bay to arrange to play our under 12’s in their respective 9 Hole courses at no cost this was granted.

22^nd June they played Murcar Strabathie, enjoying the experience playing a different course.

11^th August they went to the Cruden Bay St Olaf course enjoying their day

Hopefully this may become a yearly experience for our under 12’s?

Club Championship Day match between Matthew Zanre and Lewis Grant both players were playing good golf with Matthew leading the morning round, afternoon Matthew kept on the pressure and Lewis could not respond.  Matthew eventually winning.

As stated before McDonald Golf Club were host for 2025 district finals

29^th June Pennant league final congratulations to Portlethen who won the final against Peterhead winning 2-1.

 20^th July Hector Dey Trophy held at McDonald Rhys Batty represented McDonald

20^th July Wilson Murray under 14yrs was played, Archie Callander winning the trophy.

31^st August Spence Trophy 36hole qualifier at McDonald Lewis Grant representing the club, had a good solid round in the morning in the afternoon’s round he couldn’t maintain this and unfortunately didn’t progress to the final held later in the year.

Our junior champion Mathew Zanre who was also champion of Peterhead had elected to represent them as this was his home club.

6^th October McDonald Golf Club were host for the district Spence Trophy Semi & Final McDonald had a junior in the final’s Mathew Zanre but he was representing Peterhead as his home club.

McDonald Golf Club was praised for the condition of the course during all the district finals and the catering they received by all who played.

To try and encourage more juniors to play the club held Flag Days played on the 6 hole course during school holidays. 7 events were programmed, this was popular with all who took part enjoying the day’s with only having to cancel 1 in October due to weather. between 4 and 16 boys and girls playing in this fun event, even the rain and cold wouldn’t stop them, it may have been the free sweets crisps & drinks played a part in this.

A big thankyou to the people who helped on the day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sandra for her valuable help over the past year. Thanks also to Amanda Farquhar, Andrea Thomson, Sandra Low, Mike Keith, Stewart Macleod for their help with running the Flag days without their help the events might not take place.

Social Report to 2026 AGM

As my first year in the role of Social Convenor comes to a close I wish to first of all thank all those who have come along and supported the various events.  We have gained several new Social Members and hope that they are enjoying the friendship within the club.

Our entertainment for music nights this year have been provided by Billy Main, Firelight and Joyce the Voice Watt.  This was the first visit to our club by Joyce and she certainly packed a punch.  She will be returning on Saturday, 6th June so please make a note in your diaries now.  

Our food themed nights consisted of Chinese, Tapas, Indian and two Chippie Teas along with the regular carveries provided by Gordon & Terry.  These were again well received, and it’s been great to see the club lounge looking so busy.

The monthly bingo night continues to be a great social evening with numbers ranging from 45 up to 83.  The birdie club draw is also done on the same night and congratulations go to all winners over this past year.

Our annual Christmas Party was well attended and the entertainment was provided by Blit2t.  The band has now disbanded and we wish to thank them for their great repertoire of music over the years.  Amanda Penny is continuing as a soloist and we have her booked in for Saturday, 5th September - another date for your diary.  

Our Hogmanay Party with JD Music and New Year’s Day Ceilidh with Ythan Fiddlers and Ellon & District RBL Pipe Band both proved successful again with 110 tickets being purchased for New Years Day.  Due to the costs involved we had to charge members & guests for the first time and we thank everyone for their understanding in trying to keep costs to a minimum for the club.  

Going forward we have our Sports Persons Dinner on Saturday, 7th March with guest speakers Alan Tait, PGA Professional and Les Peters, Comedian and Writer.  Tickets can be purchased from the bar.  Please come along and support what promises to be a great night.

I also wish to thank all the bar & catering staff for providing such a great service along with Sandra Brockie in the office for admin help and Andy McLaren for his great content on the social media side.

Pro-Am Report to 2026 AGM

Total of 21 teams participated (Max field)

TOTAL INCOME £17,050

TOTAL EXPENDITURE £8,745

TOTAL PROFIT £8,305

PROFIT PREVIOUS YEARS 2023 £7,909 -  2024 £7,327

NOTE: event was without a main sponsor

Main reason for increased profit was raffle (£1830) and Auction (£3275) income which more than compensated for lack of main sponsor (which had contributed to income of £3000 for 2023 and 2024 events)

The day itself went extremely well from start to finish – Good Weather, Good Golf and Good Company!

LEADING PRO – Joe Bryce (Bathgate G.C.) 62 (-8)

LEADING TEAM – John Willox Kirtchen Design

My thanks to:

• PRO-AM Committee

• All Sponsors

• Teams & Professionals

• All those who donated raffle/auction prizes

• Sandy Aird and Sandra Brockie

• Ladies Section

• All helpers on the day

• Gordon Cuthbert for catering

• Caleb Stuart and bar staff