Golf Academy is bunkered all places bar Dalmilling

I don’t know anyone who would argue against a new golfing academy and driving range being set up somewhere in the Ayr area.

It would be a prestigious addition to the world class golf facilities we already have in South Ayrshire and bring some welcome economy to the town.

But when the plan involves ripping up holes one, four and five at the Seafield course – and the loss of a football pitch, the whole project slices from birdie opportunity . . . into triple bogey territory.

Tory leader Martin Dowey has already put the oppositions’ scorecard on the table – they won’t be supporting it.

His fellow councillors across the table should follow suit – it will save a lot of time and money if it’s made clear to SportsScotland and the Ayrshire Golf Trust that butchering Seafield is never going to make it off the first tee.

Moving the proposed academy to Dalmilling – and reducing the existing course to nine holes – would make the most sense.

Unless you happen to be a playing member at Dalmilling!

And I know many non- golfers would like to see the delinquent Belleisle sorted – before there’s any more talk of tinkering with its well behaved neighbour.