Further anger over council’s golf shake-up
Another group of disgruntled golfers have voiced their opposition to South Ayrshire Council’s plans to impose changes to the way the game is operated locally.
The Post reported early this month how senior figures in the game said they were “angry and frustrated” at what they saw was a “series of enforced changes” that “smack of daylight robbery.”
A group who play out of courses at Troon have backed calls for the council to revise plans for another shake-up.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We managed to get a picture of members of Troon Welbeck Golf Club (gents, ladies and seniors), Troon St Meddans and Bentinck Ladies golf clubs, who all play at the Troon Links courses. Talking to them after the photoshoot, their anger at what SAC are imposing on their clubs and members is unbelievable and it’s a pity no one from the council was there to witness it.”
The group claim SAC is the only local authority in Ayrshire not to offer a unilateral pricing concession to senior citizens. The spokesperson said there is a “marked deterioration” of the presentation and basic maintenance of the Troon courses.
There’s anger from a new electronic booking system used for the municipal courses, which is said to have reduced the long-standing privileges held by some clubs. Big prices hikes are also a major sticking point. The formation of a new council-run golf club, South Ayrshire Golf Club has angered some golfers.The council formed a working group of politicians and officials to consider how its eight golf courses will operate going forward.
Golf South Ayrshire, who operate eight courses throughout the region have made some changes, including the way tee times are booked. There was also the introduction of a fleximembership, which was supposed to make it easier to turn up and play. But the changes were met with criticism from golfers who could not access the tee times they wanted.
The group want a meeting with the local authority to discuss their concerns.
South Ayrshire Council has taken the unusual step of issuing an open letter.
The letter states: “Our aim is to ensure that golf is accessible to all and we present our golf courses and clubhouses to a consistently high standard using environmentally sustainable practices.
“In order to deliver on our intentions, the council has established a member/ officer working group to develop the council’s strategy for golf. Considerable discussion has taken place already regarding representations from local golf clubs playing competitions over the public courses. The group has considered responses which were provided to both golf clubs and individuals contacting Golf South Ayrshire through our ‘Listening to you’ customer service and directly to elected members. A Frequently Asked Questions document has been posted on our website which addresses almost all the points raised and provides a clear, honest and transparent response to the issues raised. A small number of people continue to present false and misleading information in the public domain. The new South Ayrshire Golf Club. was established to allow men, women and young people to join a family friendly club that promotes the sport of golf in an inclusive way.”
Our aim is to ensure that golf is accessible to all