HADDINGTON Golf Club, which has dismissed “malicious” rumours that it is downsizing, is on the lookout for a new PGA Professional.

John Sandilands, long-standing club professional at the course, will step down from the position at the end of January – but he did not want to discuss his departure with the Courier.

The golf club’s captain, David Drew, wished Mr Sandilands well for the future.

An advert for his replacement has been posted with Scottish Golf, the governing body for amateur golf in Scotland. The closing date for applications is tomorrow (Friday). Interviews will be held before Christmas with a view to the new professional starting in February.

According to the advert: “Haddington Golf Club are looking for a highly motivated PGA Professional who will be proactive in meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of members and visitors alike.

“The successful applicant will be a key advisor to the management team and will be expected to have a positive attitude, integrating themselves within the club, becoming part of an effective team.”

Duties include managing and providing a well-run professional retail shop, as well as managing daily bookings and advanced reservations for the golf course.

It understood Mr Sandilands has left on good terms but he declined to comment on the reasons behind his departure.

Meanwhile, Mr Drew dismissed claims circulating in golfing circles that the course would close at the end of the year.

He described rumours the course would be turned into a nine-hole course with driving range as “malicious” and added: “We are fine as a golf club.”

“We are not closing anything, we are not winding down in anyway, we are not making it smaller.”