It is being reported that Glasgow City Council is preparing to put forward proposals to shut five of the city's six municipal courses.

Well placed sources have told bunkered.co.uk that the 18-hole Littlehill, Lethamhill and Linn Park layouts, as well as the nine-hole Ruchill and Alexandra Park courses could be slated for closure at a budgetary meeting on February 20. Only the nine-holer at Knightswood will be retained.

Whilst sympathetic to the council's position, closing these courses would have a hugely detrimental effect on golf participation in the city and could potentially set a worrying precedent.

For many people, not least children, these municipal courses provide a vital entry point into the game.

• An open letter to Glasgow City Council

• MSP hits out at course closure proposals

Affordable, accessible and local, these layouts might never host a tour event - but that's not their purpose. So long as they provide an opportunity for people to play the game and live active, healthy lives, they will remain critical to the long-term health of the game here in the sport's home country.

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We firmly believe that neither Glasgow nor Scotland can afford to lose these courses.

If you feel as strongly as we do, we'd urge you to sign the petition below to help put pressure on the council to keep them open.

Whether you are a regular user of these courses, a one-time visitor or somebody who simply shares our belief that golf needs these types of courses, please sign and encourage all of your friends to do likewise.

This petition will remain open until February 19 and will be delivered to Glasgow City Council thereafter.