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At last! Some good news regarding municipal golf courses in Scotland.

South Ayrshire Council has today approved an ambitious new budget, which, among other things, will see all of the golf courses operated by the local authority remain open.

Last month, the Ayrshire Post is reported that the hugely popular Belleisle and Seafield courses, along with Maybole, Dalmilling and Girvan, were facing the threat of closure as a result of cost-cutting measures. 

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However, bunkered.co.uk understands that today’s budget decision means that ALL of the layouts will remain open for business – welcome news for golfers in the west of Scotland, particularly in view of the continued uncertainty over six municipal courses in Glasgow.

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A source told us: “This is fantastic news for golf in Ayrshire. These courses are fantastic facilities and popular with golfers from both near and far. It is great that they are going to remain open.”

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bunkered.co.uk further understands that there is are provisions in the budget to Increase green fees by 10% at selected courses and apply an increase of 5% to the cost of golf season tickets. 

Corporate Membership and Multi-Round Bundles will also be introduced whilst it being proposed to introduce sundries and refreshment carts at both Troon Links and Belleisle Park as the council looks to identify further ways to make money from the courses.


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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

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