Community set to takeover Dalmuir Golf Course this summer

After months of uncertainty for local golfers, Radnor Park, Overtoun and Kilbowie Golf Clubs – along with the Clydebank Seniors – have joined forces in a bid to transfer the course and its assets to their new trust.

In March this year, there was an outcry of disappointment by local residents when West Dunbartonshire Council pulled funding for the course, meaning it was facing closure.

Dalmuir Golf Course had its funding pulled by the council last month. (Image: Newsquest) However, a task force headed by local MP Douglas McAllister has secured a proposal to allow for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT), which is hoped to be approved by the council's Infrastructure, Regeneration, and Economic Development Committee in May.

If given the go-ahead, the course aims to transfer into new management on July 1.

The course is 97 years old. (Image: Newsquest) Paul Russell, of Radnor Park Golf Club, told the Glasgow Times that members had to come together to try and give the course a future.

He said: "We are doing this to keep the course; if we walked away and didn’t try anything, we would be sitting six months down the line with nothing.

"I’ve been a member of Radnor Park for more than 20 years, and I've played here since I was a kid. It’s part of my life.

"There was a point in time when you could not get on this course because it was that busy. It would be devastating to see it go.

"It’s early days, but I’m hopeful for the future."

The new charitable trust is made up of club members: Paul Russell and David Gartshore of Radnor Park, Joseph Marr, Joe Magee and Gerald Smith, from Overtoun Golf Club, and Craig Connelly, a professional caddie and honourable member of Overtoun.

(from left to right) Gerald Smith, Paul Russell, Davy Gartshore and Douglas McAllister MP. (Image: Newsquest) Gerald Smith wants to take the course back to what it was decades ago.

He said: "We want it to go back to what it was in the 1980s, it was booming. We had the pro shop, there was a cafe with a pool table in it, and you could get something to eat.

"When the council pulled the funding, Douglas got in touch with me and a few of the guys from the other clubs. Since then, we have been pushing for the asset transfer.

"We have registered a charity and we are putting our finances to the council, and hopefully they accept it and come July, we've got the course."

Members of the course and MP Douglas McAllister are now reaching out for help from local residents as they prepare to make their case to the council.

An online form has been shared asking for "offers of help" for the course to allow them to demonstrate the public interest in keeping the course alive. It can be accessed at bit.ly/4lBfatG

Mr McAllister wants to get the course to the centenary in three years.

He said: "We are confident that by improving the conditions we will be successful with our effort to save our historic and much-loved Dalmuir Golf Course.

"It's 97 years old, and we are determined that by the time we reach its centenary, our community takeover will prove to be a huge success. 

"This was not possible without the incredible help from West Dunbartonshire CVS, and the Officers of West Dunbartonshire Council. 

"However, I wish to pay particular thanks and express my appreciation to the local members of the course who have stepped forward, volunteered, and given up their time to save it.

"We are aware of just how much hard work this will involve, and we will rely on the continued support from the community and members of the public, but we are now ready to roll up our sleeves and get on with it.

"I have always lived in Clydebank. I grew up enjoying playing Dalmuir Golf Course, as did my sons, and we are all determined that the course will be there for future generations to enjoy."