Footballers join fight to save popular Scottish golf course

The fight to save Dalmuir Golf Course from closure has transcended sports, with a trio of Scottish footballers also chipping in with their support.

Just 12 months after being granted a reprieve, the popular Clydebank municipal track is, once again, facing an uncertain future, with councillors in West Dunbartonshire set to vote on its future at the start of next month.

A petition calling for the course to be saved has already gathered more than 2,500 signatures, with Ryder Cup heroes Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Paul McGinley, as well as Scottish stars Paul Lawrie and Robert MacIntyre, amongst those to have come out in support.

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They have been joined in opposing the proposed closure by various members of the Scottish football fraternity.

Former Rangers and Scotland winger Jamie Murphy, who was born in nearby Yoker, is one of them. He signed the petition having been a regular at Dalmuir in his younger days.

“It was always the best public course we could get to play growing up,” said the 35-year-old, currently at Scottish Championship side Ayr United.

Another ex-Rangers player, Greg Docherty, also weighed in with his support.

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“Loved playing here over the summer growing up,” added the Charlton Athletic midfielder.

Martin Hardie, who made more than 400 senior appearances in a near 20-year career that took in the likes of Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, is another to have thrown his weight behind the campaign.

“Hopefully get enough people who love sport not just golf in their local community to sign this to save my local golf course Dalmuir,” wrote the 48-year-old on X. “@wdc [West Dunbartonshire Council] cutting costs and proposing the course closes.”

The local authority has yet to comment publicly on the potential closure of the much-loved facility. Councillors are set to meet on March 5, where the prospect will be discussed.

Sign the petition!

Join more than 2,500 others in showing your support for Dalmuir Golf Course by signing this petition.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content 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.

Head of Content