The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Cap on membership at Caird Park has golfers in the city crying ‘fore’
Dundee golfers believe they are being relegated to the bottom of a waiting list as they try to renew their membership at one of the only public courses in the city.
Leisure and Culture Dundee has claimed it has been forced to temporarily cap the number of members at Caird Park due to “unprecedented” demand.
However, the move has left some at the bottom of a waiting list fearing they will not regain their membership status this year.
Ian Whitelaw, a taxi driver who has spent 20 years playing at Caird Park, cancelled his direct debit for membership over the winter months because of the lockdown and the financial cost. But now, without a membership over the summer, he could be forced to spend up to £30 per round as a guest if he wants to get back on the greens.
“I have been told I will have to join a waiting list,” he said. “I think it’s ridiculous. It’s also happened to a lot of other former members I have spoken to and we are not at all happy about it.
“They are trying to tell us that Caird Park is oversubscribed but I find that astonishing.
“It has also been very hard to actually try and find out what is happening. There’s a lot of anger – surely there’s a way that people who have been members for many years can actually get their membership back without having to go on a long list.”
Another Caird Park golfer, Chris Elder, believes ex-members and those looking for affordable golf are feeling the effects of the decision to close Camperdown golf course.
Councillors decided last year to close the course to save hundreds of thousands of pounds a year and, despite last-ditch efforts to save it, none came to fruition.
Mr Elder said: “Many members who tried to rejoin after the Covid-19 pandemic have been told the golf course is closed to new and previous members who have been a member for the past 20 years.
“Surely all residents in Dundee should be able to register for a membership and tee slots allocated on a first come basis.
“Dundee residents should not be excluded from being a member of a facility for the people of the city.”
Tom Alexander, 75, from Fintry, who has golfed at Caird Park for more than 60 years, said: “It’s just nonsense what they are doing.
“I was able to keep my membership on right through but that just wasn’t possible for some people who may have been furloughed or were in a difficult financial situation because of the pandemic.
“I’ve spoken to a few guys and they are very upset about this. It has also made it very difficult for young golfers to get started.
“I have spoken to about eight young lads who are keen to golf but they have no idea when they might be able to join here now.”
A spokesman for Leisure and Culture Dundee said: “Caird Park has seen unprecedented demand during the pandemic as golf has been one of the very few activities that has been allowed to continue.
“To ensure all golfers can secure a tee time, we have had to temporarily cap the number of members. The membership numbers, alongside daily ballot demand, is under constant analysis and additional memberships will be released for sale as and when the numbers allow.”