Raise the fees!!!! 25 pounds for a round of golf. Too low! And yes, I realize I am coming out there soon and I am only hurting my own pocket book, but this course means too much to see it hurt itself by not wanting to charge an appropriate fee and struggle on the money front.
Here is the issue I am having...I am trying to get from St. Andrews to Askernish and I am having issues figuring out how I am going to get there. I am piecing together ideas and figuring out the best between cars, trains, planes, boats, and (seriously) helicopters.
Here is my suggestion...set up an all inclusive golf outing/trip. Include in the basic package round trip transportation to and from all the hot spot tourist areas. Add an extra layer to the package to include lodging, it doesn't matter where the lodging is but the idea is to make getting to and from there easy and give golfers a place to stay.
If after a few years you get enough money in your coffers to build a clubhouse with a room or two that would be awesome. But don't be afraid to offer multiple tiers on fees.
One basic package...get there on your own, pay a green fee, and get yourself home (or to your hotel).
Another package with transportation to and from.
And a third package with lodging included.
Hell, maybe a fourth package that includes this course as part of a "old world" tour...THe Machrie, Askernish, Musselburgh, North Berwick, Prestwick. Make it really high end and charge a HUGE fee, but give the golfer all that would ever want...golf, transportation, food, lodging, and a sense they are special. Look at the St. Andrews Old Course packages. So expensive they will numb your mind, but evidently they are selling those packages.
Any way, 2 cents from someone who is going there next May.