Now golfers can look to the future

Oct 16 2009 by Stuart Wilson

CHUFFED Dalmilling golfers insist they can finally look to the future.

A black cloud has hung over the popular course since February this year.

South Ayrshire Council announced plans to shut the facility on January 1, 2010, as part of their last budget.

But furious golfers always suspected foul play and reckoned council chiefs wanted the land for development.

Their fears were confirmed when plans were revealed to move Ayr Academy to the Dalmilling site.

But a fiercely fought campaign by the Ayrshire Dalmilling Action Group has won the day and the golfers now can’t wait for 2010.

Campaign spokesperson Jackie Ridge revealed: “We are delighted that our golf course is going to remain open.

“The original decision to close the course should never have been taken in the first place and it has taken ADAG many months of campaigning to prove the value and viability of Dalmilling within South Ayrshire golf.

“We are grateful to the public, who have supported us throughout and signed our petition, and also to the council officials who worked very hard to produce an excellent report pointing the way forward to prepare for the improvement, development and future viability of municipal golf in South Ayrshire.”

ADAG always insisted building on the golf course would be contrary to local and national plans – and that the course was essential along with Belleisle and Seafield to meet the demands for golf.

Pressure was upped when 3000 people took to the streets of Ayr, and a petition gathered more than 5000 signatures.

Dialogue then kicked off with the council, leading to the positive report which has now saved Dalmilling.