BRYSON DECHAMBEAU has made an impassioned plea to save a popular Scottish golf course from being closed.
The reigning US Open champion is the latest big name to throw his weight behind the campaign, which has garnered almost 12,000 petition signatures.
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The course is under half an hour’s drive from GlasgowCredit: West Dunbartonshire Council
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Bryson Dechambeau hopes the local community will fight to keep it open
Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course is under the threat of closure from the local council who own it, with the land earmarked for potential housing developments.
West Dunbartonshire Council wanted to shut the course last year but it was rescued at the 11th hour after backing from the likes of Scotland footie star John McGinn.
The Aston Villa captain grew up in the area and played on the course as a kid.
He shared that he was “gutted” to learn of plans to close the facility and when the Labour-led council put the course on its list of saving options in its budget for the year ahead, it prompted renewed efforts to save it, with Scottish golf star Bob MacIntyre among those to raise awareness plus Ryder Cup heroes Justin Rose and Luke Donald.
According to bunkered, the SNP councillors of West Dunbartonshire will vote against any proposals to close the course.
Major-winning caddie Craig Connelly has been a regular at Dalmuir over the years and he shared a video of DeChambeau calling for the course to be kept open.
In the video, Dechambeau says: “What’s up everybody, Bryson here.
“I am here to tell you about Dalmuir Golf Course and how important a public golf course is to the ecosystem not just of golf in general but the community that you have there.
“Sometimes people don’t realise the impact of golf and what it can be and can do for a community, whether it’s character development, personal growth, learning about yourself or family development in general.
“I think it’s important for people to understand that if you don’t have golf courses like Dalmuir and a community like Dalmuir, it’s difficulty to continue to grow.
Inside the stunning Scots family holiday resort just 90 minutes from Glasgow with soft play, golf and restaurant on site
“This golf course is super-important and I hope that people can understand how important it is to go out and sign that petition and keep this golf course alive and keep it in existence.
“It’s so important to the community, for everybody’s sake.”
Two petitions are on the go at present, one set up by member Gerald Smith and another by Clydebank Overtoun Golf Club, who use the course.
They have 3,500 and 8,100 signatures respectively.
Mr Smith’s petition reads: “For nearly a century, Dalmuir Golf Course has been an integral part of our community. As long-standing residents and frequent visitors, we have found solace, companionship, and an affordable golfing experience on its well-maintained greens, which rank among the finest in the UK’s municipal golf courses.
“Our beloved golf course serves not just as a venue for enjoying a round or two of golf, but as a therapeutic space that aids in improving physical and mental wellbeing. Nevertheless, our cherished source of deep community ties and wellbeing is under threat due to the proposed closure by the West Dunbartonshire Council.
“This alarming proposition fails to consider the blow it inflicts on our community and the loyal members who consider its existence pivotal to their daily lives. Not to mention, the closure undermines the municipal golfing culture in the UK and sets a precedent for other public facilities to face similar fates.
“We seek to protect and preserve Dalmuir Golf Course. By doing so, we hold onto a piece of our community’s heritage, facilitate affordable access to sports and fitness, and support a resource that contributes significantly to mental and physical wellbeing. We implore the West Dunbartonshire Council to review their decision and safeguard this longstanding community asset for present and future generations. Show your support for Dalmuir Golf Course by signing this petition.”
Clydebank Overtoun’s petition says: “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.
“Please sign this petition to save an important part of History in West Dunbartonshire.”
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A West Dunbartonshire 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 £7.7million while continuing to protect jobs and vital services as far as possible.
“No decision can or will be taken until the Council budget meeting from 4pm on 5 March.”
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