Kilmarnock (Barassie) appoints seventh course manager

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Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club in Ayrshire has appointed its seventh course manager since it was established in 1887.

Kerr Rowan will take over in January from Brian Finlayson, who is going to retire after 30 years in post.

“Kerr comes to us with 25 years greenkeeping experience including internships at Westchester Country Club, New York and Augusta National Golf Club,” said Kilmarnock (Barassie)’s general manager, David Addison, who, like Kerr, is a former junior member of the club.

Kerr worked at Turnberry, Dundonald Links and The Carrick before becoming course manager at Ranfurly Castle in 2010, then moving to Sweden as course manager at Hills Golf Club and the Sand Golf club. On returning to the UK, he was course manager at West Sussex Golf Club before moving to The Addington Golf Club.

“He is well versed in championship experience, having worked at all four men’s Major championships, The Masters, US Open, USPGA and the Open, plus the Women’s Open Championship and the Ryder Cup, among other prestigious tournaments,” added Addison.

“We have held many prestigious events, Final Open Qualifying, British Boys Championship, European Youths Championship and most recently, The Women’s Amateur, and are now part of the Regional Qualifying series for the Open. We are also set to host the R&A Junior Open in 2024 when The Open comes to Royal Troon.

“The club also has a rich history of producing talented golfers, with many national caps, and we are very proud to have four members who have played in five Walker Cup matches.”

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club is also known as the Barassie Links and is located on the Ayrshire coastline.