Curtis Cup countdown starts at Nairn

The countdown towards the 2012 Curtis Cup has begun at Nairn Golf Club, one of Scotland ’s top courses.

For the first time, the biennial contest between women amateur golfers representing teams from the USA and GB & Ireland will be played over the celebrated links that overlooks the stunning Moray Firth coastline.

While the club’s preparations are well advanced, the most visible sign of things taking shape is the impressive Curtis Cup signage that has been raised at the entrance to the club.

Inside, the shelves in the new-look Newton Lounge and impressive Whitelaw Lounge have been stocked with Curtis Cup wine – a robust Rioja from Spain.

“The Curtis Cup embodies the spirit of competition and friendship that golf is famed for, so to have such a tremendous event played over the historic links at Nairn will be something to savour,” said Graeme Govan, Nairn’s marketing convenor.

 “With a year to go, our preparations are entering an advanced stage, which is extremely exciting for everyone involved. The new sign will certainly get everyone in the mood. ”

Known for its celebrated greens, the 18-hole Championship Course has been sculpted by a host of golfing legends including Archie Simpson, Old Tom Morris, James Braid and Ben Sayers.

As a result, it has played host to a number of prestigious events including the Walker Cup in 1997, the Scottish Amateur Championship in 2006 and the Seniors Amateur Open in 2007.

“With a year to go, the LGU is working steadily towards what is sure to be a first-class Curtis Cup at a venue which has already hosted many prestigious international matches,” noted the LGU’s CEO Shona Malcolm.

“The friendliness and support of The Nairn Golf Club members, and the world-class standard of the course, means the 37th match is already shaping up to be a memorable occasion which will more than meet the objectives of the Curtis Sisters – ‘to stimulate friendly rivalry between players and strengthen the ties of goodwill between the nations’.”

As part of the preparations the club recently completed an extensive development of its popular Newton Lounge, Junior room and cloakroom facilities. The upgrade is part of ongoing plans to enhance the members’ and visitors’ experience at the club in time for the Curtis Cup and the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations next year.