Dear all, for once I don't know what to say to you all, apart from thank you. As most of you will be aware, I will be leaving my position of Head Professional at Linlithgow Golf Club in October. It has been the one of the toughest decisions in my life and I am quite numb at the moment. I will be leaving to take up the Head Professional role at East Kilbride Golf Club. It is really good club just like Linlithgow and I will be nearer my family. For 6 1/2 years I have travelled 100 miles a day to work and back but with 2 children that was becoming difficult. You all have been so supportive to me from the first day I arrived at the club and for that I will be forever in your debt. I would like to personally thank 'Ian Shiels' who as Captain in 2008, gave me the job here at Linlithgow. Ian you have supported me from day 1 and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a great club. There are so many of you to thank and I care about every single one of you. I have learnt over 700 of your names, handicaps, hobbies, families and just simply who you are. When you prepare to say goodbye to people you have a great bond with, it really does hurt and that's exactly what I am feeling at the moment. I am sure that the council will find you a new great professional and I have offered them my full support on this. The clubs success in recent years is to do with the excellent product that the golf club supply to you all. The course is amazing, the catering is amazing, the pints are the best in town and the professional shop has supplied you with a diverse range of services, not forgetting tremendous banter. You must never lose these crucial parts of the club as without them you lose your overall attraction as a private members club in such a competitive environment. We must not forget that what makes a club is its members and that is you! Every single one of you gives the club meaning and purpose. The club still relies a lot of volunteers, please try and give the club a couple of hours a year. If you do this then this will give the club the chance to grow and grow and grow. Without you and your loyalty, the club would not exist. I would like to thank all my staff over the years especially my current staff. Phil Dunning you have been such a fantastic boss, I mean workmate. Without you I would have been lost. Cammy you have more talents than anyone I know and at the same time you are so humble. Bill Christie you gave me guidance all through my time at Linlithgow and I will miss you so much. Jimmy Gilfeather you provided me with laughs and evidence that there is someone madder than me. Jim Graham and Ian Adams I tamed you! Jonny I will miss your technically wizardry and the great pints you deliver with skill. Grant Peters and your staff have created the best golf course in the county and this has given our club strength. Eric Howden and Jock Simpson have looked after my cars that has taken a battering over the years. Nico,Ryan Leslie, Martin Stein,Jim Walker, Sandy Penman have all helped my create a wonderful facility. Martin Kelly you are the cleverest chap I've ever met. The list of people I owe so much to is endless so apologies I've I don't mention everyone. Even in my absence I will always have the club and you in my heart. Linlithgow you have given me so many wonderful times, memories and friendships. I hope that I have assisted in the development of the club over my years here and I also hope you will always remember the tall Glaswegian who made you smile. Yours Sincerely Graeme Bell Proud Head PGA Professional of Linlithgow Golf Club March 2008-October 2014 Click here to get in touch |