STARTED in 2009 by Jackie Bell MBE and Jane Reid, the Kirk Loch Pink Golf Day has become a beloved tradition in the Lochmaben community.
Joined by friends Gail Graham and Patricia Jardine, the formation of the ‘Pink Team’ marked the beginning of a heartwarming journey to support breast cancer care at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI).
These women, who have all known family and friends affected by breast cancer, had a vision for a local fundraiser and they came up with a Pink Golf Day, adopting a Texas scramble format.
This year, 56 teams of four ladies participated in the competition, and they raised £8120.
The winning team, comprising Lochmaben Golf Club members Lynda Nairn, Clare Cameron, Fiona Irvine, and Margot Cook, were awarded spa day vouchers courtesy of Mathew Wallace Jnr from the Cairndale Hotel.
The event, designed as a fun day out with friends, transforms Lochmaben Golf Club and course into a sea of pink.
From setting up targets in the loch to hanging bunting, baking cakes, and creating bra display lines with over 400 bras, the event is a collective effort.
The support from Lochmaben Golf Club has been immense, with greenkeepers, clubhouse staff, member committees, and the community all playing crucial roles.
The event has grown in popularity, attracting teams from as far as the Central Belt and beyond. Entries are filled the same day the competition is announced, prompting organisers to trial a two-day event next year to accommodate more participants. Almost £80,000 has now been raised over the years.
Julie White, chief executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and Maria Bews-Hair, clinical director of surgery, were present to accept the cheque on behalf of the infirmary’s breast cancer care team. Meanwhile, a spokesperson said: “This is more than just a golfing event; it is a testament to community spirit, resilience, and the collective commitment to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”
