Preparations for the 2025 Island Games are well underway for Orkney’s Golf team
Preparations are in full swing for the Orkney Island Games golf team, who have recently welcomed a significant transformation to their two golf courses. As the anticipation for the International Island Games builds, Orkney is set to host the event for the very first time, having competed in several previous island games.
With upgrades to both Stromness Golf Club and Orkney Golf Club in Kirkwall, the revamp has been warmly received by locals and visitors of the Scottish island. The course developments mark a milestone for the clubs, as they harness the opportunity to showcase their facilities on an international stage.
Hosting the Games has opened a wealth of opportunities for Orkney’s golf clubs, that may not have been possible without the prestigious event.
The decision to revamp the two courses where the Games’ tournament will take place was led by the Golf 2025 committee, which includes members of both SGC and OGC. Thanks to this initiative, the upgrades have not only improved the playing conditions but also attracted sponsorships and increased awareness of Orkney’s golfing scene. The event has also enabled the committee to secure funding for essential equipment and provided greenkeepers with a platform to showcase their skills.
The improvements have been made possible through funding from the Community Development Fund, part of Orkney Islands Council. Additional financial backing came from both Stromness and Orkney golf clubs, underlining their commitment to ensuring the courses are in peak condition ahead of the 2025 Island Games.
Leaning on local expertise to aid the revamp, both clubs enlisted the help of businesses owned by golf committee members and individuals from the Orkney community. To date, Orkney Golf Club has seen over 400 hours of volunteer work dedicated to enhancing the greens, with local supporters lending a hand to complete essential upgrades alongside professional greens staff. Greenkeepers Rae Craigie and Chris Rae have played a pivotal role in the project, with Chris bringing valuable experience from working on courses around the world. Their hard work and expertise have been instrumental in delivering the transformation, and the pair has expressed their gratitude to those who volunteered their time to help.
Talented young golfers Lee Findlay and Nicola Sutherland are set to represent Orkney once again, having previously competed at the Guernsey Island Games. Stewart Fotheringhame, Golf Coordinator at Orkney 2025, believes that competing on home soil will further enhance their performance, confidence, and self-belief. As the countdown to the Games continues, he is confident that the experience will refine their skills and provide them with a competitive edge in July.
Stewart said: “It’s a huge honour to welcome the Island Games to Orkney this summer.
“In preparation for hosting the event, the traditionally rival clubs—Stromness and Orkney—have come together in a spirit of collaboration to ensure we deliver the best possible tournament, while keeping costs manageable. It’s been fantastic to work together, and we hope this close partnership will continue beyond the Games.
“We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the golfing community who have made the revamp possible through volunteering and supporting course renovations. Their patience and dedication have made this project possible.
“With just a few months to go, our golf team is making great strides in their training, with Lee and Nicola continuing to hone their technique. We wish the pair the best of luck and can’t wait to cheer them on at the Games in July.”
Joining Lee and Nicola on the official Orkney Islands Golf Team are men’s players Steven Rendall, Michael Schinkel, and Steven Walls, and women’s players Shona Croy, Shona Slater, and Michelle Clouston.
Having competed in 19 previous Island Games, hosting the event represents a defining moment for Orkney’s sporting community. Beyond the competition, the Games are expected to leave a lasting legacy, boosting interest and participation in sports across the island and strengthening the sustainability of local clubs during challenging times.
Junior golf in Orkney is already reaping the benefits of the Games, with new opportunities emerging for young players to develop their skills. Inspired by the momentum of the event, clubs across the islands are working together to expand youth training initiatives, strengthen links with other clubs, and provide junior golfers with more competitive experiences. The Golfsixes area qualification—a junior golf league established in 2017—has gained fresh enthusiasm, giving aspiring young golfers the chance to compete not only within Orkney but also on the Scottish mainland. With these developments, the next generation of Island Games competitors is already taking shape.
Kirsty Talbot, Games Director at Orkney 2025 said “We are so pleased that the Orkney Island Games has given Orkney Golf Club the chance to renovate their courses and work collaboratively with other clubs. We wish all the athletes the best of luck with their preparations and can’t wait to see how they perform at the Games.”
For all media enquiries please contact Muckle Media on orkney2025@mucklemedia.co.uk
Orkney 2025 International Island Games is principally funded by Orkney Islands Council Welcome to Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish Government.
Orkney 2025 International Island Games will bring together athletes from the 24 islands groups to compete in 12 Sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Lawn Bowls, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Triathlon.