Scottish Golf responds to threat of course closures

Scottish Golf has said that it is “very concerned” by news that three council-run courses could soon be forced to shut their doors.

Hollandbush in South Lanarkshire and the two courses at Caird Park in Dundee have been earmarked for closure by their respective local authorities.

It is understood that Hollandbush will discover its fate at council meeting on February 21, with Dundee City Council expected to vote on a recommendation to shut Caird Park in due course.

These are just the latest municipal courses to face an uncertain future, much to the dismay of Scottish Golf.

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In a statement, the body said: “We are very concerned to hear that Hollandbush and Caird Park golf clubs are under threat of closure.

“We are in contact with both local authorities to understand the context of their decisions and to add our support to the clubs.

“Any golf club closure is a significant and sad loss to the local area, and especially at locally-owned public courses, which we know represent grassroots participation and are an integral part of the community.

“We look forward to productive discussions with all parties in due course.”

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Hollandbush is one of six golf courses operated by South Lankarkshire Leisure & Culture.

It was feared it might close as a consequence of low maintenance during the original COVID-19 lockdown but came through and, subsequently, reported a huge increase in participation and new members.

Caird Park’s 18-hole course, meantime, was renowned for being the busiest public course in Europe in the mid-1980s. Opened in 1923, it is located in heart of the city and offers tremendous views north to the Sidlaw Hills.

Walter Lyle, the uncle of two-time major champion Sandy Lyle, was the club’s first professional when he was appointed in the early-1950s.

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