A DEAL which would see Lethamhill golf course sold to The R&A could also include the sale of another public course.

Talks between the game’s governing body and Glasgow City Council over Lethamhill are ongoing.

The final agreement is expected to include an option to buy Littlehill golf club.

Glasgow councillors have supported the principle of an off-market disposal of Lethamhill and the option to purchase Littlehill.

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Both facilities, operated by Glasgow Life, have been facing an uncertain future after the council agreed to find alternative solutions for five of the city’s six public courses.

David McDonald, Glasgow Life chairman and depute leader of the council, said the deal would secure “a positive future for golf at both Lethamhill and Littlehill”.

It will create “exciting new ways to participate in and enjoy the sport”, he added.

Knightswood’s course will still be ran by the council but options for the “re-provisioning” of Linn Park, Ruchill and Alexandra Park are being explored.

A council report stated: “The R&A is seeking to invest significantly at Lethamhill Golf Club which will represent a unique opportunity for establishing a popular blueprint for how golf can be offered to current and future golfers.”

The R&A, formed in 2004 and based at St Andrews, organises The Open and, alongside the USGA, governs the sport worldwide.

It wants to “create a new golfing experience and visitor attraction”.

The council report added: “Golf provision in the city is recognised as being important to enable people to experience the outdoors and the wider health benefits this can bring.

“However, there is a declining number of rounds paid for and there is a need to ensure services and facilities meet the needs of golfers and people interested in the sport.”

Glasgow Life is “keen” for Littlehill to be included in the “proposed new operating model”, which would see The R&A invest in the course.

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Reassurances would be sought that the new facility would be available to schools and community groups and that The R&A would work with those groups to increase participation in golf.

The R&A secured board approval for the acquisition in principle last month.

The terms of the deal are being negotiated before it is brought back to councillors for final approval.

A spokesman for The R&A said: "We believe that this is an opportunity to create and establish a popular blueprint for how golf can be offered in many appealing ways to be enjoyed by men, women, young people and families of all ages and backgrounds.

"It reflects our wider strategy to ensure golf is thriving 50 years from now."