Petition launched to save iconic Scottish golf course

Following news that Dundee’s last remaining public golf courses are set to close next year, a petition has been launched in Ayrshire designed to safeguard another of Scotland’s most treasured ‘munis’ against development.

Golfers at Belleisle in Ayr are pushing back on plans to make changes to the iconic James Braid-designed track.

Opened in 1927, the course has a long and distinguished history. In the 1930s, staged a forerunner to what has since become the Scottish Open before. It then staged the PGA Seniors Championship in 1967.

In October, South Ayrshire Council launched a public consultation on what it called a ‘masterplan’ of initial design concepts to ‘improve the playing experience’ at the course, which were drawn up by Pangaea Golf Architecture in association with major champion Paul Lawrie.

One of those changes involves transforming the current first hole into a driving range, with other alterations reducing the course from a par-71 into a par-69 with six par-3s.

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Unveiling the proposals, councillor Brian Connolly, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for Sport and Leisure said: “This is a great step forward for Belleisle Golf Course.

“Renovating the course is essential to retain the reputation of the facility for decades to come, and our thoughts must turn to developing the next generation of golfer who will enjoy this fantastic golf course.”

Locals, however, have blasted the plans, insisting they will ‘destroy’ the course. A petition opposing the changes has already gathered almost 1,000 signatures.

It states: “South Ayrshire Council for around ten years has been trying to develop a Golf Academy, Golf Development Centre, or any other manifestation they can come up with.

“Previous sites considered have been Maybole Golf Course, Seafield Golf Course, and Rozelle’s former ‘pitch and putt’ course.

“Now they want to destroy the iconic James Braid deigned and well-respected Belleisle golf course.”

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The petition statement adds that the changes would “reduce dramatically” the reputation of the course.

It continues: “The vast majority of golf clubs playing mostly over the Belleisle Park golf courses are vehemently against this ‘vanity project’ which apparently has been developed on the back of a survey where the question was around ‘improved practice facilities’ with no mention of iconic course destruction, or even alteration.”

Signatories of the petition have also expressed their opposition to the changes.

One wrote: “There is no need to rip up this iconic James Braid course, one of the best public courses around. Spend the money properly on a proper watering system, the bunkers, tees and greens.”

Another added: “This will ruin an excellent course especially as there is no demand or need for the proposed work. The money can be used to much better effect elsewhere in the community.”

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