It’s amazing how the power of the pen and in this ‘feel good’ story a signature on a petition has helped in save a Scottish golf club from closure.
Masters champ and LIV Golf star Sergio Garcia penned his signature that eventually helped save Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course, an 18 hole municipal golf course, near Clydebank to the west of Glasgow
It is the only course currently open to the public in the area, and was at risk of being reduced from 18 holes to 12 or being closing down all together by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).
Sergio Garcia lends his signature to a petition that helped save Dalmuir Golf Club
Proposals were afoot as part of a 50 money-saving option plan presented by the council, as part of the the WDC attempting to cut the £8.6 million gap in its budget and this included shutting down the course that was opened nearly 100 years ago in 1928.
Councillors will be asked to discuss the potential closure as well as a range of other money-saving options in an effort to plug WDC’s budget gap.
Of course, Garcia’s never played the Scottish course but it didn’t stop the Spanish superster who was eager to play his part in helping out.
Garcia’s was one of almost 8,000 signatures opposing any plans to shut down the course. Others to sign the petition were legendary Scottish-born caddy Craig ‘Wee Man’ Connelly who caddies for double major winning Martin Kaymer.
As well, current top-ranked Scot Robert MacIntyre got onto his ‘X’ account encouraging his followers to sign the petition while another to sign was Aston Villa captain John McGinn and a proud veteran of over 60 appearances for his beloved Scotland.
Sharing the petition on social media, last month, McGinn tweeted: “Gutted to read this. Please sign if you can!” The petition was also shared by Scotland’s highest tanked golfer and Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre, who encouraged his 75,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) to sign the petition.
In the aftermath of the initial closure news, provost of the WDC and the leader of the local Labour group, Douglas McAllister opposed the plans and the Scottish National Party, tweeting in February: “Generations of Bankies have enjoyed our stunning municipal golf course at Dalmuir.
“I’m proud of the Scottish Labour councillors at WDC who will vote against the proposal to close the course. We are the last line of defence against SNP underfunding of local councils… We won’t reduce the size of the course. The Labour group are committed to this.
“Hope that helps to clarify matters and allay fears. 100% Guarantee. I can’t state it any clearer than that. I hope many of our local residents will consider joining.” In response, SNP West Dunbartonshire claimed: “We won’t be closing, shortening, or harming golf course. Labour have a majority and will do what they want, including making it 9 holes/reducing maintenance etc.”
