SNP comes out in support of Dalmuir Golf Course

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has become the first major political organisation to declare its support for Dalmuir Golf Course as West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) prepares to debate its future this week.

Councillors will meet on Wednesday to discuss how – indeed, if – they intend to continue operating the near century-old Clydebank course.

Options include keeping the course opening but increasing membership and green fee rates; reducing it from 18 holes to 12; and closing it completely.

Until now, there has been an ominous veil of silence coming from those who will make that decision.

However, bunkered.co.uk has learned that SNP members of the Labour-minority council intend to vote AGAINST any proposal to close the course.

• Scottish Golf makes plea to operators of closure-threatened golf course

• Footballers join fight to save popular Scottish golf course

An email from councillor Lauren Oxley to a concerned local resident has been shared with us and lays bare the party’s intentions.

“Dalmuir Golf Course is more than just a sporting facility,” wrote councillor Oxley. “For generations, it has provided a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to stay active, socialise, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

“As the only municipal golf course in West Dunbartonshire, it also plays an important role in ensuring that golf remains accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford private memberships.

“I want to make it clear that both I and the SNP Group at West Dunbartonshire Council strongly oppose any proposals to increase fees, close, or reduce the number of holes at Dalmuir.

• Looking for the ultimate golf gift? We’ve found it

• Saved Scottish golf course handed huge boost

“We firmly believe that budget cuts should not come at the expense of community access to recreational spaces. At a time when participation in golf is growing, we should be investing in and promoting facilities like Dalmuir, not putting them at risk.”

Councillor Oxley also noted that “there is no information on what would happen to the site” if Dalmuir were to close. However, the WDC budget report notes that the golf course is currently designated as greenbelt land, meaning there would be planning restrictions on any potential developments.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to promote the course, attract players and ensure its long-term sustainability, but closing or cutting back on facilities is not the answer,” added the councillor.

A petition calling for the course to stay open has attracted more than 3,500 signatures in less than two weeks, as well as the support of current European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, former skipper Paul McGinley, major champion and Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose, and Scotland’s current No.1 golfer Robert MacIntyre.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content 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.

Head of Content