Larkhall Golf Club’s promotion to the Lanarkshire Golf Association First Division for the first time in its 116-year history has been described as a ‘borderline miracle’. Captain William Neil says the nine-hole council-run club being promoted to the Second Division two years ago was an incredible achievement in itself. After scraping through a relegation battle in their first season at that level, they won with five wins, two defeats and a draw from their eight games. Neil hopes their success can attract new members. “Considering we’ve only got about 14 players who can play in a 10-man team, it’s a borderline miracle that we have gone up to the First Division,” said Neil. “This means everything. I’ve been a member of the club since I was five, so 37 years, and this is part of Larkhall Golf Club history. “It wasn’t that long ago when we were in the Fourth Division. We’re a small club, a wee nine-hole council-run club, and there are a lot of guys on the team that I grew up with. “We were promoted to the Second Division two years ago, which we had only done once before in our history, and we thought it was brilliant to stay there, considering we were playing against clubs like Strathaven and other clubs who have 1000 members, 18-hole private clubs. “Last season we were very close to getting relegated, bu we managed to stay up, and this season we won it. “It’s a great feeling, everybody’s over the moon. “I’ve been brought up through the club and most of the guys are the same. “It’s some achievement for Larkhall. There are some really big clubs in this league who are two divisions below us, and that’s us in the top five. “I’m looking forward to next season already, I can’t wait!” The club is looking for new members and anyone interested should visit www.larkhallgolfclub.com for details of how to join.