Irwin Gratil
CLUB CAPTAIN

Dear Members and Guests,

It is with immense pride that I address you as the Club Captain of the Royal Malta Golf Club. Along with that pride comes a profound sense of responsibility—one that I share with the dedicated committee members who are helping everyone lead and shape our remarkable community. Their tireless service ensures that our competitions are run with precision and our social events are filled with joy and camaraderie.

 Golf, at its essence, embodies integrity, discipline, and respect values that define our club’s identity and unite us as a community. 

The allure of the game continues to bring people together, forging connections that go far beyond the fairways. Nestled on the beautiful island of Malta, right in the heart of the Mediterranean sea, our club remains a vibrant symbol of heritage, sportsmanship and fellowship. These are values that are embedded in the Maltese culture. 

As members, we are the custodians of a proud legacy dating back to 1888. It is our duty to uphold the ideals of civility, decorum, and excellence that have guided the Royal Malta Golf Club since its founding. Our leadership team is committed to ensuring continuity and progress while encouraging every member to contribute their talentsthrough participation, volunteering, or serving on our various committees. These ideals are our team’s focus this season.

The spirit of volunteerism lies at the heart of our community. The leadership of our Men’s, Ladies’, Seniors’, and Junior divisions provides the structure and energy that sustain our club through their carefully organised competitions and events. I also wish to commend the Happy Gilmores, whose warm guidance helps new members gain confidence to fully embrace the game. The generosity of these volunteers—in time, effort, and spirit—is truly inspiring.

Our Board of Trustees has further strengthened the Club by introducing professional management, guided by a clear vision: to take the Royal Malta Golf Club from “Good to Great.” Together, the Board and committees form a dynamic partnership that ensures our everlasting improvement and growth always with our members at the centre of every decision.

 The season promises to be especially exciting. On 18 September 2025, our Chairman, Paul Stoner and designer, Scott McPherson, inaugurated the new course with its new rating—offering all members a fair and refreshing challenge. In March 2026, we proudly hold the annual Malta Junior Golf Open, now the most anticipated junior golf tournament in the Mediterranean, attracting over 100 participants from more than 20 countries. Later, in July 2026, the Royal Malta Golf Club will serve as the host to the prestigious European Team Shields, welcoming twelve national teams for four days of high-level competition. This is made possible by the leadership of the Malta Golf Association led by its president William Beck. 

None of these milestones would be possible without the collective efforts of our members, dedicated staff and volunteers.

 I give our heartfelt thanks to our loyal sponsors and partners for their continued generosity and support.  I also would like to extend our warm welcome to our new sponsors who have recently joined us in our journey.

Finally, to all our members I wish you an enjoyable and fulfilling 2025–2026 season. My team and I are looking forward to engaging as many of you on the course or in the clubhouse as we continue to celebrate the spirit, tradition and excellence that define the Royal Malta Golf Club.

Yours sincerely,
Irwin Gratil
Captain, Royal Malta Golf Club