GOLF’s governing body is set to buy one of the city’s public courses.

The R&A, which organises The Open, is working with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life on a deal for Lethamhill golf course.

It wants to create a “popular blueprint” for offering golf to people from all backgrounds.

The plan received support from councillors during a virtual meeting on Thursday.

At budget time in February, the council approved a proposal to keep Knightswood golf course but find alternative solutions for five public courses, including Lethamhill.

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A Glasgow Life spokesman said work continues with the city council to “assess the future” of the other courses – Littlehill, Linn Park, Ruchill and Alexandra Park.

They are engaging with other potential partners to “explore options for course management and re-provisioning".

The R&A, formed in 2004 and based in St Andrews, organises The Open, golf’s oldest Major championship. Alongside the USGA, it governs the sport worldwide.

A spokesman for governing body said: “We are exploring the possibility of acquiring the public golf course at Lethamhill and are currently involved in on-going discussions of our proposals with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life.

“We continue to follow the process outlined by the local authority with the aim of reaching an agreement for the site.

“We believe that this is an opportunity to create and establish a popular blueprint for how golf can be offered in many appealing ways to be enjoyed by men, women, young people and families of all ages and backgrounds.

“It reflects our wider strategy to ensure golf is thriving 50 years from now.”

The Glasgow Life spokesman said the body is “committed to finding a sustainable and vibrant future for the provision of golf in Glasgow”.

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He added: “The sale of Lethamhill Golf Course will allow The R&A to develop it further for golfers and for people who want to take up the sport while protecting the future of a well-know and loved facility in Glasgow

“We look forward to working with The R&A as their plans for Lethamhill develop.”

David McDonald, Glasgow Life chairman, said: “This new partnership will see a major investment in golf in the city and create exciting new ways to participate in and enjoy the sport.”

He added the deal will see “significant investments” coming into the city and will develop a “whole new way to play and access the sport for a wider audience”, including local groups and schools.