Golf course supported by DeChambeau loses survival bid

Due to funding issues, a golf course close to Glasgow that won the support of major players like Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau is closing.

After a steady decline in membership, West Dunbartonshire Council declared it was unable to continue funding Dalmuir Golf Course.

As part of a plan to close a £7.7 million funding gap, which included an 11.5% increase in council tax, the local authority made the announcement.

The council said it would look into potential ways to transfer the course through asset transfer to the neighborhood.

According to it, the course was subventioned by about £145,000 in the previous year, which is equivalent to about £805 per member.

Despite considerable efforts, Dalmuir Golf Course usage and membership have, regrettably, continued to decline.

Two-time US open champion DeChambeau appeared in a video posted by long-time tour caddie Craig Connelly on X.

The major winner stressed the importance a club can have in the community where Connelly lives.

A number of other world-class golfers including Rose, Paul McGinley, Luke Donald and Robert MacIntyre also gave their backing for the course to stay open.

Before making a decision, councillors considered several options, including whether to reduce the course to 12 holes, or close it entirely.

As part of the money-saving measures, funding for the Loch Lomond Highland Games was also eliminated.

Prior to the decision, Gerry Smith, the petitioner, stated that a community asset transfer would be considered for the course, allowing the local community to take it over.

Locals feared the area could turn into a “wasteland” if it closed, according to Clydebank and Overtoun Golf Club’s Craig McLaren.