Councillors raised concerns over staffing while officers warned about impact of weather on South Ayrshire’s public golf courses.
Belleisle Park is to become home to Golf Development Centre.(Image: Kevin Dyson)
Golf participation, visitor numbers and income have continued to grow across South Ayrshire’s municipal golf courses, councillors have been told.
A report presented by Alistair Mutch, Service Lead for Sports and Leisure, to the Service and Partnerships Performance Panel highlighted strong recovery and sustained growth across the council’s golf service, which operates eight golf courses and three clubhouse facilities across the area.
Membership levels now exceed those recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic, while visitor numbers continue to increase as South Ayrshire strengthens its reputation as a golfing destination.
The report shows season ticket membership increased by almost 14 per cent over the past year, rising from 5,121 to 5,826 members, while under-18 memberships rose by 54 per cent from 511 to 786.
Commercial performance also improved during 2025/26, with non-member rounds increasing by 2,506 year-on-year and a further 10 per cent growth forecast for the current season.
Average green fees increased from £22.24 to £24.75, while uptake of hotelier and tour operator schemes rose by 10 per cent. Officers said the sector continued to benefit from the legacy of The Open at Troon in 2024.
(Image: Ayrshire Post)
However, councillors sought further detail on the financial sustainability of individual courses.
SNP Councillor George Weir told the panel: “It is certainly a very positive report and it appears that participation and income are moving in the right direction.
“What I am less clear about is whether the strategy is sufficient to address the financial position of individual courses.
“For example, will any of the courses that currently operate at a loss move into profit, and if so, when?”
In response, Mr Mutch said additional performance information could be provided to members.
An artist impression of how Belleisle clubhouse could be transformed(Image: SAC)
He added: “One challenge is that season-ticket holders have access to all eight courses.
“As a result, membership income cannot easily be attributed to individual courses.
“Visitor income is easier to allocate because it relates directly to rounds played at specific courses.”
Councillor Ian Cochrane questioned the absence of specific performance targets within the report and sought an update on the future use of clubhouse facilities, including the Stables venue at Belleisle.
Golf Co-ordinator Kieron Gallagher said the facility, which was closed during the pandemic, is once again available for community use and events.
The officer said: “The Stables and the Royal Clubhouse remain available for community events, private functions, birthday parties, social gatherings and other special occasions.
“The first wedding was held at the Stables last year and was considered a success.
Another artist view of a redeveloped Belleisle Golf Course
“We continue to welcome enquiries and bookings from community groups and members of the public.”
The meeting also heard that opening hours at golf facility cafés have been extended following concerns previously raised by councillors.
Panel Chair, Labour Councillor Philip Saxton, asked for detail on the difficulties recruiting staff, pointing out the extension of hours would be impacted by existing staff shortages.
An officer said: “Following the comments made at full council, opening hours have already been extended.
“The cafés now remain open until 5pm during weekdays and 6pm at weekends.
“While there are staffing pressures, we believe these changes will improve the customer experience and generate additional income.”
The report highlighted continued investment in the golf estate, including £50,000 spent on drainage improvements at Dalmilling Golf Course and £35,000 secured for safer walking routes at Darley Golf Course.
Independent agronomy reports found greens at Belleisle Park and Troon Links to be performing well.
Despite this positive performance, the report highlighted that the weather remains a significant challenge.
During the year there were 189 days of full or partial course closures across the estate, averaging 27 closure days per course.
Members were also told that a wider review of the council’s sport and leisure services is under way.
Jamie Tait, Service Lead for Thriving Communities, said: “Sport and Leisure Services have commenced a wider service redesign process.
“As part of that work, we are reviewing the golf estate, wider Sport and Leisure assets, operational priorities and staffing arrangements.
“A report containing proposals will be presented to Cabinet later this year.”
He also highlighted continued growth in golf tourism, telling councillors: “I would also highlight the positive increase in visitor numbers.
“There is ongoing work with partners to further increase visitor play and strengthen South Ayrshire’s position as a golfing destination.
“The current trajectory is very positive and there are opportunities for further growth.”
Following discussion, the panel unanimously agreed to note the report and the priorities identified for 2026/27.