If you needed proof that Nairn Golf Club is welcoming to those of all ages, the MacGregor family delivers it in abundance.
From grandparents Jim and Pat down to four-year-old grandson Atholl, the famous links on the Moray Firth coast has drawn in three generations of the same family.
Though Atholl may not yet have followed in the footsteps of seven-year-old twin brothers Murray and Struan in taking up membership, he will surely not be far behind.
Proud mother and father Claire and Colin are also on the books, having originally signed up the twins to take advantage of the club’s excellent provision for juniors.
“The reason we initially moved over was because of the excellent junior section run by Murray [Urquhart], it really is top class,” said Colin.
“Initially it was just going to be the twins joining and then I saw an opportunity for me to get more golf as well. I then signed up and it’s the most golf I’ve played in years.
“But the junior setup is so good, it’s so slick, and it’s really brought the boys’ game on a lot as well.”
Jim praised the ease with which they were all able to sign up and said the friendly nature of the club had helped them settle in quickly.
“It was an easy process from start to finish and a very welcoming club as well,” he said.
“There’s a WhatsApp group and a couple of professionals came out to play with us, as well as a few other members, to give us an introduction to the club.
“I thought it would be a great idea to come and help Colin with the twins because they’re obviously the same age and at the same stage. They did their first competition recently.
“Another comforting thing about that was I knew the other two dads in the group, so they were out with their boys, and I knew them as boys too, so it’s nice to see the generations coming through.”
For Claire, she has seized the chance to develop her own skills by getting involved with the Women in Golf package on offer.
“I saw the advert on Facebook and with the boys starting this year, I felt that it was really important that if I don’t start now I’ll be left behind,” she said.
“It’s been fantastic. Murray is such an amazing teacher. You get 10 lessons as part of the Women in Golf package and I’ve been really enjoying them. I now appreciate how frustrating a game this is!
“The practice facilities are fabulous. I come down, practice, have my lesson and then with the nine-hole course being so accessible, it means I can fit in more golf in a shorter space of time, and it’s more accessible for the twins as well.
“It’s been really enjoyable and I’m meeting lots of new people as well.”