GOLF’s governing body is set to pay £200,000 for one of Glasgow’s public courses.

The R&A, which organises The Open, is planning to take over Lethamhill golf course and invest £10m in ‘The Swing Zone’.

It aims to take the game to a wider audience, with a pitch and putt course, floodlit driving range and indoor golf simulator all proposed.

Councillors will be asked to approve the terms of the sale when they meet on Thursday.

READ MORE: The R&A is set to buy a public golf course from the council

Lethamhill would be bought by R&A Group Services, one of the companies set up by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for commercial activities.

The deal could also see £25,000 paid to secure an option to purchase Littlehill golf course within three years.

Glasgow City Council would have the right of first refusal on any future sale for 20 years.

A council report states the Lethamhill transformation would be a “unique test case”, which could be rolled out across the UK.

“The Swing Zone is the vehicle by which the R&A will work collaboratively to make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive to all members of society and ensure that the sport continues to thrive.

“The focus will be on short form golf, increased family orientation and accessibility.”

There could be shorter format golf courses, an adventure/activity centre and adventure golf putting area.

Other proposals include a sports related retail unit, changing facilities, a café/restaurant, gym, nursery and children’s movie theatre.

Plans for Littlehill are “not as well-developed” but it is being considered as a green keeping academy.

Glasgow City Council is looking for alternative solutions for its six public courses due to “declining participation” and the “challenging” financial climate.

City Property has confirmed “opinions of valuations” for the continuing use and for residential use.

It believes Lethamhill would be worth over £6m for residential use, compared to £256,00 for continuing use.

At Littlehill, residential use has been valued at £5m and continuing use at £342,000.

If the R&A chose sell the site, the council would be protected by an ‘overage’ condition, where any profit in excess of the cost to buy, develop and sell the site is paid to the local authority.

The report states Glasgow Life is committed to “ongoing dialogue” with staff at the two venues set to be sold. It adds jobs and training opportunities will be a “key benefit” of the R&A scheme.

Members of the courses can continue to play as normal until the sales are concluded.

“This is recognised as a great opportunity to create and establish a new blueprint for how golf can be offered in many appealing ways, to be enjoyed by men and women of all ages as well as young people and families living in local communities,” the report adds.