PIG Society celebrates 30 years at Ramside
One of our region’s oldest golf societies has celebrated its 30th anniversary – and plans are already well underway for its 31st year.
The Plough Inn Golf Society (PIGS) was formed in 1986 at the pub in Shadforth Village near Durham City with six members.
Society organiser Alan Dufton said: “There were a few golfers who came in the pub and the landlord at the time was keen to have sports team based there so he got a few guys together.
“We keep the society quite small – just 36 players – and we’re from all walks of life, from barbers and butchers to teachers and police officers.
“It’s a fantastic mix of people all brought together through golf.
“The special thing is – we outlasted the pub! We’ve retained the name and carried on through the years.”
The society now hosts 18 outings per year and has visited 120 different venues in its 30 years – starting at Durham City Golf Club and hosting its most recent event at Close House. It has visited almost all the clubs in Northumberland and Durham as well venues in North Yorkshire, the Scottish Borders, Spain and Portugal.
“We like to travel to as many different clubs as possible and there aren’t many left which we haven’t been to at least once,” added Alan.
The PIG’s 36 members belong to clubs across Durham and meet fortnightly throughout the season.
To mark the society’s 30th year a special celebratory tournament took place at Ramside Hall in July.
Castle Eden member Richard Anderson collected the trophy, donated by Ramside director of golf Helen Roseberry, with 43 points.
“We visit Ramside annually so it was the perfect place for the anniversary event.
“We’re old friends now – the last new member joined more than two years ago – and that friendship has been the key to our longevity,” added Alan.
Planning is already underway for the 2017 season. Expect to see the PIGS at a club near you soon.
