Peebles Unveils New Golf Club Management Team

Peebles Golf Club has appointed the new team of Martin Kelso and Niall Watson, part of CMS Limited, to take over the club’s management on the eve of its 125th anniversary year.

The new structure will see Watson take up the position of Club Manager, supported by Kelso as Club Secretary as the club looks to build on its growing reputation as one of the country’s most progressive clubs.

Kelso, previously the club’s finance director, brings a wealth of business experience to the role. A chartered accountant, he gained an MBA at Cranfield University and worked in a variety of senior financial management roles prior to establishing a successful consulting business. Having served on the club’s committee for a number of years, he has played a key role in the development of the club’s business plan, overseeing significant growth in membership and income over the past three years.

Having worked in the golf operations team at Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Watson boasts an excellent CV, combining corporate hospitality experience through his most recent role at Scottish Rugby Hospitality. A 4-handicap golfer, he has recently undertaken the Club Managers of Europe Association Management Diploma and will become the main point of contact for members, visitors and staff at Peebles Golf Club, co-ordinating the day-to-day operations.

Club captain Graham Lowther said: “We are delighted to take on Niall and Martin in their new roles, bringing two people with a great blend of experience and knowledge to the club. Peebles has made significant progress in recent years with changes to our business and this appointment marks the final piece of the jigsaw.

“We are very proud of our achievements over the past three years, becoming one of Scotland’s most successful junior clubs, recruiting more than 120 new members, developing first class practice facilities and undergoing a major refurbishment to our clubhouse. The golf club is very much at the heart of the community in Peebles and the new club management team will help support that ethos with continued growth. I’m sure our members and regular visitors will wish Martin and Niall every success.”

Having been formed in 1892, Peebles celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The newly refurbished clubhouse reopened earlier this week while the club is also marking the celebrations with a series of special events throughout the year, including an Anniversary Ball on Saturday 29 April at Peebles Hydro and a special 125 Cup in July.