PLANS have been approved for the creation of a new community golf facility in the north east of Glasgow.
It comes following ownership of an existing public golf course at Lethamhill being transferred to The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews by Glasgow City Council.
The new development will see the site redeveloped, with a nine-hole course being created, as well as putting greens, a short-game area, adventure golf and a floodlit driving range.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said, “This is a vital step towards realising our ambition of creating a new golf facility which presents the sport in a fun, affordable and accessible way for the enjoyment of families, young people and community groups living locally. We are hugely excited about the potential of this project and will be making a significant investment in transforming the existing course at Lethamhill into a first-class venue where everyone feels welcome, no matter their age or ability, in which they can have fun exploring golf’s many different formats and connect with nature, outdoors in the fresh air.
“We believe that golf can be and should be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and so this is a real opportunity for us to break down some of the unhelpful perceptions and barriers that exist and revitalise the way in which the sport is offered so that everyone feels they have the freedom to play and enjoy its many health and social benefits.”
Construction is expected to be completed on the new facility in 2023.
Councillor David McDonald, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of Glasgow Life, added, “Having worked closely with The R&A over the last year to understand and help develop their plans for the new facility at Lethamhill Golf Course, we are thrilled that construction is now set to get underway. The new offering will ensure the space at Lethamhill is used to its full capacity, offering activities for everyone from the individual golfer, through to families with young children. We’re looking forward to seeing the progression of the project, and continuing to work with The R&A to ensure the new facility provides key benefits to the local community.”
Councillor Maureen Burke, chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership, said, “I am delighted to be part of this new partnership, which will bring much needed investment to the local area, creating new jobs and attracting visitors from across the city and beyond. As well as a fantastic new golf facility, the new centre will allow the Seven Lochs team to work with local schools to deliver outdoor learning, offer volunteering opportunities and employability training linked to park maintenance, and support a range of outdoor activities that help improve health and well-being in the local community.”
