The sustained success over the past 25 years of Scotland’s largest independent golf centre has been recognised by the head of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).
Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, presented Douglas Craig of Craig Group – the owners of Kings Links Golf Centre in Aberdeen - with a commemorative plaque to mark the organisation’s sterling achievement in reaching its silver jubilee.
Kings Links is a 56-bay, two-tier, floodlit driving range and 3,000sq ft superstore offering golfers everything from the fitting of specialised equipment and swing analysis, to tips on technique and advice on the latest professional brands.
Mr Jones said: “The Kings Links is well known across the country for its outstanding facilities and centre of excellence. There have been many success stories from the North-east of Scotland over the years and I know the Kings Links has played an important role in supporting many golfers, from novices through to elite players, to make the most of their skills.
“To be a leader for 25 years means the team behind Kings Links have been getting it right for a long time and their contribution to golf in the UK deserves to be recognised. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving such a significant milestone and I am sure the centre’s success will continue for many years to come.”
More than 30 PGA Professionals have honed their skills at the Kings Links over the years including Paul Lawrie, Richie Ramsay, Scott Henderson, David Thomson, Kenny Walker, Peter Smith, Craig Cassells and Paul Girvan.
Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group which operates the Kings Links, said: “I would like to thank all our customers and staff who have made the Kings Links the success it is. We aim to provide the highest standard of advice and equipment for all golfers to ensure they enjoy and develop their game.
“It is wonderful to have reached our 25th anniversary and I’m grateful to Sandy for taking the time to visit us and recognise the work we do here. We will continue to provide the highest levels of service available to ensure the next 25 years are just as successful as the first 25.”
After it opened in 1990, the Kings Links very quickly attracted a loyal customer base who appreciated a fully equipped shop and driving range in the heart of Aberdeen. Soon the number of driving bays increased to 56 over two tiers and in more recent years the teaching academy and custom fit studio was added.
The custom fit studio offers the largest selection of club fitting carts in the North-east , using the latest market leading software Flightscope launch monitor. The teaching academy offers lessons with qualified PGA professionals, using the latest V1 video analysis software.
Over the past 25 years the Kings Links has adapted to meet customer demand from changes in golf equipment and clothing to the new custom fit services and technology.
Mr Girvan, now director of golf at the Kings Links, has worked at the centre since it opened.
He said: “It was an historic day when the Kings Links opened its doors. We were the first centre of excellence in Scotland with the largest driving range and retail superstore. We set the benchmark for service and coaching and provided some of the best teaching and tournament professional staff in Scotland. We set the standards high and I’m pleased that we have been able to maintain and raise them over the period.”
Please visit www.kings-link.com or www.facebook.com/kingslinksgolfcentre for more information.