'Sickened': Community react to Dalmuir Golf Course closure threat

'Sickened': Residents react to Dalmuir Golf Course closure threat <i>(Image: Gerald Smith)</i>
'Sickened': Residents react to Dalmuir Golf Course closure threat (Image: Gerald Smith)
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Residents and sporting stars have reacted in fury, saying they are 'sickened' that the almost 100-year-old Dalmuir Golf Course could close as it is placed on the chopping block again.

Following the news that the closure of the course was being considered by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) after being saved from the same fate last year, locals have expressed their anger that they have been placed back to square one.

Gerry Smith, a regular golfer at the course, set up a Change.org petition on February 18 and it has already reached more than 2500 signatures.

Damuir Golf Course has been open over 98 years.Damuir Golf Course will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. (Image: Newsquest) Speaking to the Glasgow Times he said: "This is sickening, we were assured the golf course wouldn't be touched.

"The golf course is not being run properly at all. They're just letting it go as it is.

"As it stands, the council don't advertise it. They don't give any decent incentives for people to use the facilities.

"In fact, there are very few facilities there now because they've done away with the café, bowling and tennis courts.

"Every single year this closure comes up with the council finances and they say that it's costing them money. The reason it's costing money is because they're not actually trying to make an effort to make money."

Councillors are set to make a decision on March 5 on whether to increase membership costs, reduce the course to 12 holes (it is currently 18 holes) or close the golf course altogether.

WDC say they pay more than £100,000 each year to subsidise running costs, while memberships decline.

Currently, more than 180 members pay up to £300 a year to use the course, and the cash-strapped council argues they subsidise the cost by £805 per member.

Last year's campaign to save the course saw famous faces such as footballer John McGinn join the more than 7500 people who signed a petition.

So far this year, Gerry's petition has been signed by local, professional caddie and honorary member of the club Craig Connelly as well as Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley and former professional footballer Martin Hardie.

Hardie, a former Partick Thistle player, posted on X: "The fight goes on to save Dalmuir Golf Course from closure by West Dunbartonshire Council.

"A course I learned how to play golf at as a boy and up until last summer. 

"Some extra signatures would be more than welcome to hopefully save my local course from the threat of being closed again.

"Hopefully get enough people who love sports, not just golf in their local community to sign this to save my local golf course Dalmuir."

Meanwhile, Craig Connelly has written: "Really don't know what to say. I drive/walk past the facility they have there in the park every day and it is an utter disgrace that West Dunbartonshire Council have left it to rot away. Two bowling greens are gone. Two tennis courts are gone. A cafe that has lay derelict for a year.

"Calling on all of my followers, please sign this petition to keep this wee gem open and available for all to play. Thank you."

A council spokesperson said: “This is one of a number of options to be considered by councillors as part of work to close a budget gap of at least £7million.

“No decision can or will be taken until the council budget meeting on March 5.”

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