For only the second occasion in its 234-year history, Crail Golfing Society has appointed a new head professional, with David Snodgrass, the current assistant professional, taking over on January 4, 2021. Snodgrass has been assistant under current head professional, Graeme Lennie who is retiring after 34 years at the Scottish Club.
Lennie, who was the very first professional appointed by the club, will leave Crail Golfing Society having helped establish the club now as one of Scotland’s favourite golfing destinations. It was also Lennie’s close friendship with golf course designer, Gil Hanse that led to Hanse designing Crail’s Championship course – Craighead Links that was opened for play in 1998.
In appointing Snodgrass, the club initiated a robust and arduous interview process hosted by a panel of seven that encompassed a 30-minute presentation and 45-minute interview session. The panel included Keith Haslam, of Braemar Golf as a neutral independent interviewer to assist in the process. Club captain, Jim McArthur was delighted in formally confirming David as the successful applicant: “On behalf of everyone at Crail Golfing Society, I can say that we are absolutely delighted to welcome appointing David Snodgrass as our new head professional,” said McArthur. “David not only understands the culture and ethos of the club but also has a superb appreciation of the wider golfing world and will bring a new energy and enthusiasm to the team to help develop the long-term vision for the Society.
“Whilst the whole emphasis at the moment is survival and adaptation of our facilities and procedures to enable us to operate alongside the virus, we are confident when the pandemic passes that we will have a team who can deliver a great tradition. The club also extends our gratitude to Graeme. He created club history becoming the first professional at the club and for well over 30-years Graeme has dedicated his working life to Crail and all at the club will be forever grateful.
“Graeme will be missed at Crail Golfing Society but in David his successor, golf’s seventh oldest club will continue to grow in nurturing, promoting and also enriching all that is good in the ancient club-and-ball game.”
Commenting on his appointment, Snodgrass said: “I would to thank the members and staff of Crail Golfing Society, my friends and family, for all of the support and encouragement over the years. It is a privilege and honour to follow in the footstep of Graeme Lennie to become only the second head professional at this prestigious club, and I am extremely indebted to Graeme for his assistance and guidance in my now eight years at Crail.
“The messages of congratulations have been truly overwhelming and humbling, and I am extremely passionate about Crail and the local community and I am very excited for the journey ahead. Crail is an incredibly special club, with two amazing courses, a friendly and supportive membership and it is a dream come true to become the next head professional.”
