Not golf in Fort William this, but golf in Hungary.
Perhaps one Highland Golf Course should twin with another? But what would be the point?
Would it be like a town deciding to twin with a town in another country? For economic, social and political reasons? Glencoe Scotland, for example, was recently toying with the idea of reaching out to Glencoe America. There could be good reasons for these very different communities to "twin" - after all, one was named after the other and there are clearly some common roots.
But should a West Coast Golf Course near Fort William link with a golf course in Budapest? Well, it could be an idea. Respective members might enjoy golf breaks in each other’s territory. And the Budapest Highland Golf Course has a linked academy . . . could the Ballachulish golfers get even better with a little tuition from their European neighbours? And there's the opportunity for golf competitions and perhaps a Scottish Open followed by a Hungarian one?
There might be something to learn in social marketing for the Scots. After all, the facebook site for Highland Golf in Hungary has three times the membership of its Scottish counterpart. www.facebook.com/pages/Budapest-Highland-Golf-Club-Academy/109264872432420?sk=photos#!/pages/Budapest-Highland-Golf-Club-Academy/109264872432420?sk=info&closeTheater=1
And some of its social activities do look a little more sizzly than the things that go on off the golf greens in The Dragons Tooth Golf Course Club House near Fort William. Perhaps Scotland could import some ideas - and playmates - from Hungary? www.dragonstooth.co.uk/club_facilities.php
Well, these questions must hang for the moment. But it may just be that we should extend the hand of friendship, and go out and explore.
