Golfers have voiced their frustration and disappointment over the potential closure of Dalmuir Golf Course, a nearly century-old community staple, just a year after it was saved from being shut down.
Local residents are outraged after learning that West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) is once again considering closing the course as part of cost-cutting measures. This move comes despite the club surviving a previous round of local authority cuts less than a year ago.
Determined to fight back, Gerry Smith, a regular at the course, has launched a campaign to keep it open. His petition on Change.org has already gathered over 2,500 signatures and has gained support from high-profile athletes, including Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley and former professional footballer Martin Hardie.
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.”
He added: “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.”
West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) is set to decide on March 5 whether to raise membership fees, reduce the course to 12 holes (down from 18), or shut it down completely.
The council claims it spends over £100,000 annually to subsidize the course while memberships continue to decline. With over 180 members paying up to £300 per year, WDC argues that it effectively subsidizes £805 per golfer.
Last year, a strong campaign to save Dalmuir Golf Course saw over 7,500 people sign a petition, including support from footballer John McGinn. This year, Gerry Smith’s petition has already gained traction, with signatures from local supporters, Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley, and former 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.”
Professional caddie and honorary member of the club Craig Connelly wrote: “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.”
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.”
