Popular golf centre latest Scots facility to close down

Scotland’s golf community has expressed sadness over the news that a popular golf centre has become the latest facility in the country to close its doors.

Brucefields Family Golf Centre in Bannockburn announced the disappointing development in a post on Tuesday night on Facebook and Twitter.

It read: “This update is to notify you that Brucefields Family Golf Centre has ceased trading and will not re-open.

“Thank you for your support and membership throughout the years.”

The facility, which included a nine-hole course, par-3 course, driving range and an American Golf shop, had been open for more than 25 years.

It had been closed since 19 March, just before the Covid-19 lockdown, and hopes that it might eventually re-open have now been dashed.

It seems as though Tulloch Homes, which has owned and operated the centre since 2004, is set to build houses on the site as part of a £100 million development.

“This is just so sad,” wrote David Begg, the Open Championship’s former press officer, on Twitter after hearing the news of the closure.

“Felt this was the role model for the future of golf in Scotland. Really sad to see it go.”

Alison Walker, a wellknown Scottish sports broadcaster, added: “Really sad to hear this. Took my boys there a lot.”

Reaction also came from former employees, including Colin Smart.

He wrote: “So sorry to hear this! My 1st ever Job was collecting balls on the range almost 25 years ago and then returned a few years later to go on to manage the Retail Shop.

“A gr8 facility responsible for introducing 1000’s to the game. Will always have great memories of Brucefields.”

A number of Scottish golf clubs have closed in recent years, including Mount Ellen in Lanarkshire, Brunston Castle in Ayrshire and Lothianburn and Torphin Hill on the outskirts of Edinburgh.