Another Scottish Golf Course Threatened With Closure

It's been a dark beginning to the year for public golf in Scotland. The early weeks of 2024 have been dominated by headlines of municipal courses across the nation facing potential closure, including Hollandbush in South Lanarkshire and the two layouts at Caird Park in Dundee. 

But there is now another to add to this ever-growing list. The Glasgow Times has reported that Dalmuir, the only municipal in West Dunbartonshire, is set to be reduced in size or closed entirely, following the dispatching of a letter from the local council to affected golfers.

Citing reducing budgets as the reasoning behind this possible move, the letter explains: "The council is operating in an extremely challenging financial environment. Rapidly reducing budgets mean the options available to us [West Dunbartonshire Council] to continue to provide services in the same way are limited, and we must take action to save money while still delivering the vital services our residents rely on."

The budget setting meeting is scheduled for 6th March, but for now there is a cloud hanging over a course that boasts a lengthy history in the community dating back to 1928.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson commented: "A meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council will take place next month to discuss the budget for the upcoming financial year.

"No final decisions will be taken on any of the options presented until this meeting."

Responding to this news, golfers at Dalmuir have established a petition, which states: "West Dunbartonshire Council are planning to close the only public golf course in the area. This would be detrimental to its residents as it offers a place where all residents no matter age, race, or gender can not only enjoy golf and the positive effects it can have for your physical well-being, but is also a place that offers social gatherings to those who otherwise would not be able to do so.

"Dalmuir Golf Course has been there for the residents of West Dunbartonshire for almost 100 years, bringing people from all over Scotland to play and taking this away would be a great loss to the community.

"By signing this petition, it will let the Council know just how much this means to not only the residents of West Dunbartonshire but also to the west of Scotland. 

"So please sign this petition to save an important part of history in West Dunbartonshire."

The challenges facing councils throughout the United Kingdom are stark, but it remains a continued disappointment that golf is among the first things that are impacted whenever cuts have to be made. We saw during the pandemic just how essential these locations are to the health of the public, and it feels particularly damaging to see these institutions that have been around for generations threatened with closure in Scotland, where the unique status of golf in the nation's story is something that should be promoted and celebrated more.

We wish all golfers at Dalmuir, Hollandbush and Caird Park the best as they seek to preserve their beloved courses.