Let’s pitch and putt at the park
Golf pro Andy wants the sport back at Brodie Park
A Paisley golf pro is calling for the return of Brodie Park’s pitch and putt, which has been shut for more than a decade.
Andy Carlton, who grew up in Falside Road, nurtured his passion for the sport at the Paisley course.
He will meet with Renfrewshire Leisure - who operate sporting facilities on behalf of the council - next week to discuss potential opportunities. Paisley Golf Club’s head PGA professional has warned of the risk of losing young people to other sports, while the council- owned land is in disuse.
The 18 holes are still there. I want to get it back up and running and get kids back involved in the sport Andy Carlton
He said: “I grew up in the area, just a few hundred yards from it. There’s just nothing in the area at all.
“I just feel my kids are growing up and there’s nothing for them unless you join a golf club.
“At most golf clubs you need to be a certain age, so what happens between the age of five and 12?
“We are losing young people to other sports.”
Andy is confident the course would be well used, envisaging it being open for an April to October season.
The area would re q u i re maintenance, including cutting the grass and replacing the holes but he believes it’s a move that would get more young people active.
Andy added: “I’ve just moved back into the area and I went over about six weeks ago.
“I thought if this place is cut then you can definitely still use it. The 18 holes are still there.
“I want to get it back up and running and get kids back involved in the sport.
“The tennis courts are always busy so why can’t we do it with the golf?
“Having something like a pitch and putt is a good way to introduce families and kids to golf.”
Andy suggested the facility reopening on social media, prompting a positive reaction from people who remember using it in the past.
He is now set to meet Mark Tokeley, the head of leisure and community services at Renfrewshire Leisure, next Wednesday to discuss what can be done.
Andy said: “The amount of people that have spoken to me on the back of the tweet was incredible.
“It would give a right good buzz to the area again. It’s definitely missed.
“It would mean everything. As a father myself, I want to see my kids active. “Scotland is the home of golf. “The decline in numbers in golf participation in juniors is rapid and we need to do more. We all started at Brodie Park pitch and putt.
“It’s good for spending time with the family and kids, and getting them active. It would be absolutely fantastic to get it going again.”
Renfrewshire Council has said it has no immediate plans to reopen the pitch and putt but welcomed the input of those interested in doing so.
A spokesman said: “At present the council has no plans to reopen the pitch and putt course at Brodie Park.
“However, we would be open to discussion with any group or individual that would wish to consider operating such a facility.”