Inside the £5.4m masterplan to transform beloved golf course once considered Scotland’s best council-owned venue

FOR all that Scotland can boast the likes of the Old Course at St Andrews, the Ailsa at Turnberry and other Open favourites such as Royal Troon, Muirfield and Carnoustie, the truth is that the majority of golfers will never set foot on those elite courses.

At the other end of the scale, municipal golf holds a dear place in the hearts of many players across the country.

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This beloved council-owned golf course is set for a huge transformation Credit: Alamy

The revamp will see several upgrades and changes to the facility

You don’t have to look that far to see the evidence.

Just last month, we told you how a group of volunteers had taken it upon themselves to try and resurrect the abandoned council-owned Linn Park golf course in Glasgow.

And the fight to save Dalmuir municipal golf course in Clydebank saw golf megastar Bryson DeChambeau throw his weight behind the campaign, as well as local hero John McGinn.

But efforts to save Caird Park in Dundee were unsuccessful, with the council closing the course in April last year due to budget cuts.

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South Ayrshire council currently manages eight golf courses and has bene taking measures to ensure they remain fit for purpose in recent times.

Work was undertaken to revamp the layouts at Darley and Lochgreen at Troon Links, which have now been completed.

But it’s 15 minutes down the road in Ayr where an even bigger redevelopment is being planned.

Ryder Cup hero Paul Lawrie was approached by council chiefs two years ago to come up with a plan for Belleisle Park, which has long been considered Scotland’s best municipal parkland course.

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Boasting impressive views of the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran, Belleisle was originally designed by the legendary Scottish golf architect and five-time Open Championship winner, James Braid, and has been described as “a masterpiece on relatively indistinct piece of ground” and “one of the best council courses you will ever play”.

The local authority wanted to make the facility more attractive to the ‘modern golfer’ and reduce maintenance costs.

So it is hoped the huge revamp will ensure golf in the region is sustainable, as part of the council’s ten-year strategy for the sport.

But locals felt the modifications to the historic layout were too dramatic.

A consultation began last year in which three different options were presented to the public, with varying degrees of change and investment in the venue included in each.

Now the council has revealed details of a £5.4million transformation of the site which will include an innovative new driving range and upgrades to the irrigation on the course.

GolfPod is the company behind the new practice area.

The masterplan for Belleisle Park

The new driving range will be delivered by GolfPod

It will lead on the creation of the new eight-bay driving range, one that will take up significantly less space than a traditional driving range due to the simulator tech involved.

There will be some minor alterations to the course as it currently looks but no major changes to the layout are planned.

The existing clubhouse will also be merged into one building with the Stables restaurant in a bid to increase the number of people using the on-site catering.

Councillors voted 24 votes to five in favour of progressing with the preferred redevelopment proposal (option three during the consultation) at this week’s council meeting.

A statement from the council read: “South Ayrshire Council approved proposals to progress the development of Belleisle Golf Course at a meeting of full Council on Thursday 14 May 2026.

“In response to feedback received from a public engagement exercise conducted in November 2025, our Sport, Leisure & Golf service worked in partnership with Alliance Leisure to propose design proposals for Belleisle Golf Course.

“Belleisle Golf Course was originally designed by James Braid in 1927 and is a significant part of golfing history. As part of the Councils’ 10-year Golf Strategy, plans are required to introduce new course infrastructure, which respects and enhances Braid’s original concept, while also incorporating sustainable, future-focussed improvements that ensures the course is accessible and affordable to all.

“Councillors agreed the proposed plan to modify the course design and introduce GolfPod facilities, enhancing the user experience off-course by improving connectivity between the Clubhouse and the Stables building. This option will provide one facility with a central reception area and re-designed internal space, including an 8-bay golf range and golf simulators, provided by GolfPod.

“On-course, key upgrade works will be carried out to re-align the existing holes, which will also improve health and safety for course users, and to install a modern irrigation system.”

South Ayrshire Council’s policy lead for leisure and community services, Councillor Chris Cullen, added: “The public feedback gathered through the engagement process has played an important role in shaping proposals that reflect the views of our communities while continuing to enhance the golfing experience across South Ayrshire.

The new practice area won’t take up as much space as a traditional driving range

This is the aerial view of the proposed changes

“This is an exciting time for golf in South Ayrshire as we invest in modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities that will help attract new players, families, visitors and future events to the area.

“The approved proposal supports our ambitions to strengthen tourism, promote health and wellbeing, and build on South Ayrshire’s reputation as one of Scotland’s premier golfing destinations.

“The strong public support for the preferred option gives us real confidence as we continue delivering our ambitious 10-year Golf Strategy.”

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