Perth’s famous North Inch Golf Course has welcomed a new deal that will improve the upkeep of one of the world’s oldest courses.
ISS Facility Services Landscaping has been awarded a new contract with Perth and Kinross Council to maintain the North Inch Golf Course in Perth.
Last year the council pitched in £50,000 to help rejuvenate the course after there were fears it would have to close due to regular flooding from the River Tay and a fall in numbers.
The money has been spent on improving drainage on five particularly badly affected holes, while bunkers were to be upgraded, fairways sanded and the path to the starter’s hut improved.
The partnership will see ISS working closely with Perth and Kinross Council.
The work will assist in promoting the ongoing development of the course, improve turf quality and provide an efficient maintenance operation.
The one-year contract began this month with an option to extend for a further year.
Core works will focus on the greens, tees and fairways, switching and irrigation, hedge and water course maintenance and litter collection.
North Inch Golf Course officer Niall McGill said: “Our existing greenkeeping team have transferred to ISS and will continue to work on the course. This local knowledge will be invaluable and will help the transition to be as seamless as possible.
“ISS has lots of experience in golf course maintenance and currently works on all types of golf courses from private members’ clubs and municipals all the way to resort courses.
“We are confident that they will bring a great deal of best practice and expertise to the North Inch Golf Course.
“We are looking forward to working closely with ISS to present a golf course that our members are proud to play.”
Golf has been played at the course for over 500 years and it is one of the world’s oldest golfing venues, formerly patronised by the kings of Scotland.
The course dates back to the 1500s, when King James IV was said to have played on the parklands.
It currently holds an enjoyable challenge at 5,442 yards and a par of 68.
It boasts 18 holes, the latter six having been laid out by the legendary Old Tom Morris, a pioneer of professional golf.
Training and development will be a key focus of the new contract, ensuring a professional and motivated team.
ISS has its own in-house Lantra approved customised training provision for greenkeepers both at a practical and technical level.
Candidates are assessed by ISS Lantra Registered technical trainers with practical observation and graduate the programme with an externally accredited award.
The company employs upwards of 12 people in the local Perthshire area, both at North Inch and other local businesses, including housing associations.
Phil Jones, managing director, ISS Facility Services Landscaping, said: “We are delighted to have won this contract with Perth and Kinross and to welcome the North Inch, Perth to our UK portfolio of golf courses.
“ISS is a leader in the delivery of expert services in golf course maintenance and we will be adopting a sustainable approach to improve course presentation and implement best practice at the North Inch Golf Course.”