Green is the word! Course Manager, Matty Smith updates us on the course conditions
Robbie's Top Tips
Newburgh Pro, Robbie Stewart shares his monthly 'Top Tips'.
Seniors Section
Seniors Convenor, Dave Burness, gives all the latest news from the seniors section.
OGV Group and Newburgh Links have teamed up to create a brand-new golfing hub as a state-of-the-art simulator and pro shop prepares to open at 377 Union Street.
The venue, launched under the Golf Academy Aberdeen brand, is designed to deliver a complete golfing experience for players of all levels—right in the heart of the Granite City.
Work is well under way at the long-vacant Union Street unit, with signage and posters already in place advertising the range of facilities and services to come. These include golf lessons, a short game practice area with putting greens and sand bunkers, and a fully equipped retail and repair shop. The development brings new life to a space that has been empty for more than a decade.
At the heart of Golf Academy Aberdeen lies TrackMan technology — the industry-leading solution trusted by tour professionals around the world. From swing analysis and impact feedback to immersive virtual golf, TrackMan helps you train smarter and play better.
“Golf Academy Aberdeen is your all-in-one golf destination,” said Kenny Dooley, OGV Group Director, “Whether you’re just starting your golf journey or fine-tuning your game, we provide the tools, technology, and expertise to help you reach your full potential. Our new Union Street venue
brings everything together under one roof— cutting-edge simulator bays, expert coaching, toptier retail, and club fitting and repair services.”
The new facility will sit between the former Toni & Guy salon and the Skills Development Scotland offices. Excitement is already building, with positive early feedback from local golfers and a buzz on social media.
Keep an eye on Golf Academy Aberdeen’s Facebook page for updates as the launch draws near.
One of the key maintenance procedures we are undertaking is aeration using the Air2G2 system, provided by Pearson Aeration. This deep-tine aeration process plays a crucial role in alleviating soil compaction, promoting root development, and improving drainage. Over the past few seasons, this has proven to be an extremely beneficial practice, significantly contributing to the overall quality and resilience of our turf. By implementing this technique again, we aim to ensure the best possible playing surfaces for our members and guests.
We would also like to take a moment to recognise our apprentice, Fraser, who has settled in very well at the Club. His enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn have already made a positive impact on our team. A huge thank you to all the members and visitors for making him feel welcomed during his time here.
We are excited for what promises to be a busy and successful year on the course. As always, our dedicated team is fully committed to delivering the best possible playing conditions for everyone who steps onto our fairways. We appreciate your continued support and patience as we carry out essential maintenance and improvements, all aimed at enhancing your experience at Newburgh Golf Club. As we finally begin to see a bit of sunshine on the weather reports, we hope you are as excited as the team here are for the upcoming season.
Wishing you all a fantastic 2025 season filled with great golf and enjoyable moments on the course!
“Take a Grip”
Having the correct hold of the golf club is one of the most important ingredients of a good set-up position.
Unfortunately, many golfers don’t pay enough attention to how they are holding the club and continue to play with a hand position that feels comfortable, rather than one that controls the clubface properly. At the start of a new season, it is always a good idea to check how you are holding the club, especially with your controlling left hand (for right-handed players).
So, try this simple test to give your hold a quick check over. Grip a club without wearing a glove, stand in your normal set up position, then look straight down and count the knuckles you can see on the back of your left hand. If you can only see 1 knuckle (Pic 1) this may well be the reason for sliced drives, topped shots and lack of distance. Ideally you should see 3 knuckles when looking straight down (Pic 2) as this will then encourage your hands to work correctly during the swing and better control what the clubface is doing.
Great Golf, Good Laughs, and a Bit of Friendly Rivalry to Start the
With a short break between the winter competitions finishing and the summer season starting the committee decided to introduce the Captain's Team v Pro-shop Team to get members who may not have played over the winter months back out onto the course for a bit of fun and socialising with other members that they may not have met before.
It was well attended with a field of 56 players with 14 4 ball matches and one singles match. It was a close fought competition with several matches ending in halves, but congratulations go to the Proshop Team winning 8-1/2 points to 6-1/2 points, thanks to all those that took part and making it a most enjoyable day. Here's to next year and the captain's team winning the trophy back. Feedback received from some of those that played was very positive and with this positive feedback the committee are looking at possibly squeezing another one or two events into the summer calendar, we will keep you posted.
We hope you are managing to get some games in and are enjoying the course.
If you require assistance in submitting cards for your handicap or entering competitions, please let us know. The Pro Shop has a list of members who have indicated that they are happy to mark cards for handicap or play in competitions with new members so please just ask in the shop and they will be able to provide you with contact details.
If any existing members are willing to have their details added to the list, please let the Pro Shop know.
Happy Golfing! Newburgh Links Committee
Thank you to everyone who came along and played in very challenging conditions.
Double the Leagues, Double the Fun – A Great Winter of Golf Comes Down to the Wire!
This past winter 2024 - 2025 saw the introduction of a Saturday Winter League Stableford in addition to the usual Sunday Winter League Stableford.
This allowed members who did not play in the Sunday League to participate in a contest over the winter. Members could play in either or both leagues, this proved popular with several members participating in both leagues. both leagues were well attended.
Points were awarded for the first four best and tied scores in each league with the winners from divisions 1 & 2 from each league playing in a playoff Stableford to decide the winner of the Winter League Trophy.
This took place on Sunday 6th April between Rick Adam, David Adam, Derek Mulgrew and Ross Webster. This was a close fought match with only 2 points between the four players, but congratulations go to Derek Mulgrew winning the trophy on countback. We hope to keep this
A large number of members and the Club Captain attended the service for Viv Easton at the St Matthew and St George Church in Oldmeldrum on 13th March
The service was a lovely tribute to Viv which beautifully encapsulated the many aspects of her rich and active life.
Strangely enough the week after her funeral, Viv’s number was drawn for first prize in our 100 club! Her family were delighted and felt that, in keeping with her love for the club, she would have wanted the prize to go towards club funds. A true stalwart of the club, Viv’s dedication was unwavering, and her involvement here was just one part of her busy and varied sporting pursuits. This generous gesture is a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much to the club.
The women’s section will greatly miss Viv’s enthusiasm and think of her fondly whenever an ‘emergency’ visit to the gorse bushes is required!
We find out what Newburgh's ladies have been up to over the last few months
Sunday 30th March saw the final round of the Ladies Winter 9 Hole Stableford Competition. The competition was played over 21 weeks during the winter season and ladies were encouraged to play as and when they were available. The cumulative total of their best 8 scores were recorded to decide the winner of our ‘Ladies Rock Trophy. Sadly there were 6 of the 21 weeks when no one was able to venture out – due to the poor weather mainly during November and December. Well done to the 6 ladies who did record 8 or more scores
The winner of the Trophy was Maureen McFarland with a cumulative total of 140 points – Congratulations on a very steady winter season =2 Jane Middleton and Sheena Cruickshank on 132 points and 4th was Shelley Johnstone on 131 points. All who took part in the competition agreed that the 9 hole format was ideal for a winter competition and we would like to encourage others to join this fun competition next winter. The main focus on Sundays was to have fun and no pressure to post amazing scores. Lots of banter on course and over a cuppa afterwards.
We were delighted to welcome Fiona, one of our new members, on the final day too. We look forward to having her join us during the coming season.
We would love to welcome other new members to join us on Wednesday or Sundays during the 2025 season. Ladies tee times will be booked off from 4.30 to 5.00pm on Wednesdays to accommodate ‘workers’ among us, others are free to arrange tee times throughout the day to suit. There will also be medal/stableford competitions most Sundays. Tee times will not be booked off for these competitions, however, a suggestion has been made that anyone interested in playing book tee time 1.00-1.30pm and others are encouraged to join in.
We would like to encourage any lady who would like to join us to get in touch via the pro shop, who will pass on your details to us, and we will arrange a game/games to get you involved.
Thank you and as they sayA bad day golfing beats a good day working!!
We’re excited to announce the arrival of a fantastic range of new stock at the Newburgh Golf Club Pro Shop—just in time for the season!
You may have noticed groups of young, fit golfers on the course during last season.
We were pleased that RGU asked to have Newburgh as their home club and have played their league and cup matches on the course over the winter. A number of the team members have also signed up for individual student memberships and will be playing in the club competitions.
They made it through to the second round of the Scottish Conference Cup where they met St Andrew’s Uni and were unlucky to be knocked out at the first play off hole after managing to secure a draw.
The photo shows the team captains and their caddies just before setting off on the ‘sudden death’ first hole.
Our latest additions include stylish and high-performance ladies' Ping clothing, combining comfort with sleek design to keep you looking and feeling great on the course.
We’ve also stocked up on the latest Under Armour apparel, perfect for golfers who demand both function and fashion in all weather conditions.
For those looking to upgrade their game, we’re now offering Wilson custom fit clubs, tailored to your swing for maximum performance. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, these clubs can make a real difference.
And that’s just the beginning—there’s plenty more in store, so come down and see what’s new. Our team is on hand to help you find the right fit, style, and gear to keep your game sharp this season
I’m really excited to meet as many of our members – old and new – during our many midweek competitions. If you have any questions on the seniors format, please drop me an email to dave.b136@sky.com
Regular updates are issued to our senior members by email. If you are NOT receiving these emails, and would like to, please let me know and I will add you to the Distribution List.
Thank you to Nigel Briggs for volunteering to oversee this series of competitions, stepping up in Bobby McClymont’s shoes. Bobby has run this tournament for many many years and I’d again like to place on record my thanks, and that of the participants, for his significant contribution. Thanks Bobby.
The opening competition of 2025 is Cruden Bay on Thursday 1 May where I hope to see as many of Newburgh’s 27 Buchan Seniors competitors in the field. Watch this space for details of our future success ��
Standing for North East Scotland Seniors Golf Association, this Association provides a platform for members (aged 55+) to participate in numerous local events for a reduced green fee, whilst enjoying meeting like-minded golfers from across our region. Full details of the 2025 calendar/fixtures and how to join are available via the above link. The NESSGA season is already underway so best move quick if you’d like to join. www.nessga.uk
One of the benefits of winning our Seniors scratch trophy last year is entry into this season’s Champion of Champions competition where Scratch competition winners from many clubs across the region compete in a match play format. I’m delighted to say I’ve reached the 2nd round……..albeit courtesy of a bye. The good news continues. I have a home tie in round 2. �� I’ll keep you all updated.
And if I may, I’d like to end this edition with a lovely story of when Tiger Woods met Stevie Wonder. Stevie was in awe of his golfing idol and professed that he (Stevie) was a scratch handicap golfer. Tiger was skeptical and this displeased the musician.
“We should have a game sometime” said Tiger. Stevie welcomed this but declared alas he only plays for money…..big money, $1,000 per hole. Tiger’s eyes lit up at this. Accepting the challenge, he asked Stevie when he’d like to play.
Stevie replied... "Choose any night."
