Save Elmwood.

We have days to act

Elmwood means an enormous amount to me personally. I only learned about the urgency of this situation today, 24 October. Others may be hearing about it for the first time too. This should be a wake-up call for our community and local authorities — and I include myself when asking whether we have supported this facility as much as we could.

I am angry at the prospect of losing it, but I want a level-headed, practical response. We need open minds, relevant experience and the willingness to act. Let’s get people round the table and find out what can be achieved.

Food for thought — and practical action

A good meal gets people talking. I’m a Gulf War veteran, a local businessman and someone who cares about this part of Fife. I’m willing to roll up my sleeves, do the cooking and put my experience into the discussion.

The offer is serious. I propose Sunday 1 November, if a suitable venue and kitchen can be arranged and the people needed can attend. I would like around 60 people in a room, looking at the facts and asking what might work. I will seek sponsors to help make the event possible; none are being announced as confirmed. The aim is to turn concern and support into a practical proposal: who can contribute, what information is missing, what the course costs to run and what a sustainable future could look like.

I have sent an invitation to councillors, elected representatives, golf organisations and members of the press. Journalists are welcome to hear the stories and report on the discussion. If you can attend, nominate someone with relevant experience, help with a venue or provide kitchen access, please get in touch.

Why Elmwood matters to me

I played Elmwood in its early days and watched it develop. I remember its connection with training greenkeepers and the opportunities that brought. My ties to the area go back decades, through golf, business and local fundraising.

I have chaired meetings through the St Andrews Merchants Association, been involved in St Andrews Rotary golf fundraising with help from Kingsbarns, and worked as a golf tour operator for many years. I have also been a club captain and helped rescue a struggling golf club.

That experience is something I can offer. Golf brings friendship, fresh air, routine and a place to belong. I want younger players, families, older golfers and people new to the game to have a chance to enjoy it here.

Five things we need to work through

1. Enough time for a credible proposal. Ask for an extension to the deadline so members and potential partners can examine the options properly.
2. Clear figures and terms. Understand the accounts, running costs, liabilities, possible lease or transfer terms, and why previous efforts have not secured a sustainable future.
3. A costed maintenance plan. Establish what is required to look after the course and protect its condition while discussions continue.
4. A workable business model. Examine membership, visitors, catering, partnerships, operating costs and funding, including whether a community ownership or trust model could work.
5. Clarity about the land’s future. Ask for transparent information and safeguards. No housing proposal is established by the SRUC statement linked here; questions about future use must be answered with evidence.

Bring the experience together

I am willing to help form an emergency steering committee and, if members and fellow campaigners support it, to serve as chairman. Let’s agree clear responsibilities with members and keep the process open, practical and focused on progress. We should be willing to consider new ways forward for an exceptional local facility.

I would welcome constructive input from SRUC, members, local and national elected representatives, Scottish Golf, Fife Golf Trust, The R&A, St Andrews Links Trust, local businesses and former Elmwood students. We need people who understand finance, course management, hospitality, community ownership and the day-to-day realities of running a golf club.

I want to work alongside members and existing campaigners, including those concerned about Elmwood’s wider future. This is my proposal for a golf-course rescue discussion; it does not claim to speak for those organisations or announce their support.

I cannot promise success before we have examined the figures. I can promise a willingness to listen, contribute and help test whether there is a viable way forward.

Steve Cooke
Gutters2glory · Local businessman and Gulf War veteran