Historic Scottish golf course saved after takeover given green light

After a few torrid months with its future seemingly in turmoil, there are finally signs of a bright new future for one of Scotland’s most cherished municipal courses.

Dalmuir Golf Course, which had its funding axed by the West Dunbartonshire back in March, has been saved from closure after being leased to the local community.

While it appeared certain the venue at Clydebank would shut down due to falling membership as part of a cost-cutting exercise, the council had offered the chance for those using it to take it on as part of an asset transfer.

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And fortunately for the many people passionate about Dalmuir and, on a broader level, the importance of municipal golf in the UK, a new group has been set up to take control.

Overtoun Golf Club, Radnor Park Golf Club, Kilbowie Golf Club and Clydebank Seniors Golf Club have joined together to create a new trust that will look after the 97-year-old course.

The community asset transfer was approved by a council committee in a special meeting on June 4.

The group’s bid for the course, clubhouse and ship was given the green light for an initial rent of £1 over a three-year period.

To palpable relief, the new era for Dalmuir will start on July 1, 2025.

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“We know in recent times that the membership has reduced and golf clubs are struggling all over Scotland,” said Chairman councillor David McBride.

“Golf is a difficult and expensive sport to take up and quite often you are introduced to it by perhaps someone within the family so I think having this at the heart of the community, who want to make sure it thrives, can only be a good thing and we will certainly see more young people playing golf.”

Councillor Clare Steel added: “It wasn’t an easy decision to look at community assets that people get so much from but certainly with the help of all the council officers we have obviously found a solution for everyone involved.

“I would like to congratulate everyone and I think that the dedication and the initiative have not only preserved a cherished local space but also demonstrated the power of community action in the face of funding challenges.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.