Golfers in Ayr are clubbing together to protest against controversial proposals to alter Belleisle Golf Course ahead of its 100th anniversary.
Opened in 1927, Belleisle was designed by five-time Open champion and architect James Braid.
But South Ayrshire Council is now planning to rip up parts of the course as part of plans for a “Golf Development Centre” which would include a new driving range that, members argue, couldn’t even be used by category one golfers.
In August, councillors backed plans to progress designs of the course and development centre with a view to submitting a planning application.
Previous reports to the council had identified the practice areas at Belleisle as a “weakness” which would make it “difficult” to bring “higher profile” competitions to Belleisle.
The changes would reduce the course from a par score of 71 to 69 which has raised concerns that the course’s challenge would be reduced.
Belleisle still maintains the original layout designed by Braid and has seen almost no alterations – other than the order the holes are played.
Fears are also mounting that any slip in the timescales for the project could see Belleisle out of commission for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
Golfers from a number of clubs which play at Belleisle as well as the Friends of Belleisle group are objecting to the plans but are hopeful they can work with the council to come to a compromise as they support a number of planned improvements to the course including the introduction of a watering system and bunker re-configuration.
Andy Brown, secretary of Ayr Belleisle Golf Club, told the Ayrshire Post: “We are sure that all golfers, members of clubs, casual golfers or visitors to Belleisle will welcome the South Ayrshire Council investment in infrastructure and playing experience by installing a new irrigation system, improving the old drainage systems and carrying out a bunker review and replacement programme.
“However, the proposal to remove the classic par five first hole on the iconic James Braid course at Belleisle and create an approximately 260 yard driving range and short game area is vehemently opposed by Ayr Belleisle Golf Club committee.
“The reduction from a championship standard par 71 course down to a par 69 course will further affect the standing of what is recognised as one of the best public courses in Scotland, if not the UK.
“The business case prepared to support this is not robust with little or no details on how this facility will operate and more importantly how much this unwanted development will cost in both capital and revenue terms.”
Norman McLean of the Friends of Belleisle added: “We welcome the proposals to introduce a watering system and bunker re-configuration to the course.
“However, it is clear that a brief was also given to provide a driving range with secondary facilities into an otherwise restricted course stretched to its maximum and unsuited to further development.
“Golf courses evolve and develop but maintain their original vision and concept. Belleisle should be no exception.
“A reduction in length and challenge is not an improvement and in Belleisle’s case represents a backward step with no perceivable gain.
“Belleisle Golf Course, as an iconic James Braid design, has been totally compromised to provide a 6,213 yard course with six par three holes.
“This devalues the vision of Braid. It is far below the length or quality required of a championship course of today’s standard and will never attract the envisaged competitions.
“An alternative, holistic proposal is to create a nationally significant centre of golf excellence at Dalmilling Golf Course, an excellent location both for users and as a direct transport link.
“It can be envisaged as a full golf academy combined with the proposed greenkeepers’ academy – this being urgently needed for the future upkeep and wellbeing of all of our courses.”
A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “The concept designs for Belleisle Golf Course are available to view anytime at Belleisle Park Clubhouse until Thursday, October 31, and a range of public engagement sessions are taking place throughout the month with council officers and representatives from golf architects, Pangaea.
“Feedback can also be provided on our website https://www.golfsouthayrshire.com/investment
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while the public engagement is ongoing.”
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