Club bunkered as ban continues at course
A sporting club claim they face “discrimination” after being barred from using their own facility.
FootGolfers in Ayr have been told the fairways of Dalmilling are now a no-go zone for their fast growing pursuit.
It follows an agreement put in place - and money spent by South Ayrshire Council - to adapt the course for their use.
But more than 40 local players have been frozen out since lockdown hit.
Ayr FootGolf club captain, David Craig, says the sporting and mental health benefits of the game make it vital.
And with schemes underway to introduce youngsters in North Ayr to the sport, the club says a huge opportunity is being missed.
David, a former PE teacher at Wellington School, said: “At the beginning of lockdown last April we got the news we couldn’t play Dalmilling.
“The council told us we should go to Caprington in Kilmarnock instead.
“We were shocked to hear we should go to a private course in another council authority area of Ayrshire.
“The excuse seemed to be that a massive increase in golfers were now playing Dalmilling.”
The stand-off has continued into the new year with FootGolfers still awaiting a return.
David, 58, added: “The impression we got was it came down to money.
“Maybe because we’re a relatively small group they feel we don’t raise enough cash in the eyes of the council.
“However, I personally know of a number of Ayr players with mental health problems and they all say that FootGolf helps them massively.
“I also see a huge opportunity missed by the council to allow the relatively new sport to grow during lockdown.
“We have been offered Maybole and transport there for league matches and although the club will accept this, in order the club doesn’t fold, we still regard Dalmilling as our home course.
“Dalmilling is an Ayr course and we are Ayr.”
Ayr, who are Scottish FootGolf champions, also boast national star Mick Bonzer who qualified to represent his country against a Rest of the World team.
David said: “This was a huge achievement for Mick considering he didn’t have Dalmilling to practise on.
“He lives so close, he can walk to the course.”
And David, who is joined in the team by his sons Gavin and Jonny, added: “FootGolf for the three of us has been a great family experience, but this season it would be even better if we were allowed back on Dalmilling.
“As a club we are only looking for access to play on the course during four afternoons a week and we are ready to cooperate with the council and work hard to grow our sport if we can use the Dalmilling course as our home.”
A council spokesperson said: “Given the current restrictions which limit the number of people playing on golf courses it has not been possible for FootGolf to be resumed on any course.
“There has been an unprecedented demand for golf over the past few months with many people choosing to use golf as their form of outdoor exercise.
“Once restrictions are lifted we have offered the footgolf team the use of Maybole golf course which is our least busy course. The club have accepted this offer.”