Dalmuir Golf Course SAVED from closure

First, Hollandbush. Then, Caird Park. Now, Dalmuir has become the latest Scottish municipal golf course to be saved from closure.

The last remaining public track in West Dunbartonshire will continue to operate in its current 18-hole state after local councillors rejected a proposal to either downsize or close it at a budget meeting this afternoon.

Councillor Martin Rooney, the leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, confirmed that the proposal – one of more than 50 money-saving options under consideration by the local authority – had been withdrawn.

bunkered.co.uk previously reported that the council was considering either closing or reducing the course to 12 holes to help the plug an £8.3million black hole in its finances.

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A letter sent to golfers at Dalmuir last month that the council’s income is “significantly lower than the cost of delivering its services”, adding: “The council is operating in an extremely challenging financial environment.

“Rapidly reducing budgets mean the options available to us [WDC] to continue to provide services in the same way are limited, and we must take action to save money while still delivering the vital services our residents rely on.”

A petition started by golfers at Clydebank Overtoun Golf Club, which uses Dalmuir, called for the course to be left alone and attracted more than 7,500 signatures.

The petition was widely shared on social media by high-profile figures from within the game, including top caddie Craig Connelly, who hails from the area. He revealed that Dalmuir was where he “fell in love with the beautiful and wonderful game” before adding: “If it wasn’t for this place I don’t know where I’d be today.”

Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Paul McGinley and Eddie Pepperell were amongst the many others to support the petition, whilst Aston Villa and Scotland midfielder John McGinn, who grew up in Clydebank, did likewise.

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In a letter sent to bunkered.co.uk, Dumbartonshire Golf Union also called for the facility to remain open.

“It is the only municipal golf course in West Dunbartonshire and is due to celebrate its centenary in 2028,” said a statement signed by union president Frank Gloag.

“Since its opening in 1928 it has given thousands of players their introduction to the game of golf and in the current economic climate it provides many players with an opportunity to play the game that they otherwise might not have.

“Many good golfers, who have had county and national success, have started their golfing journey at Dalmuir Golf Course.

“We sincerely hope that the local Council will find a way to ensure that the facility remains open to golfers in West Dunbartonshire and beyond.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor