THE R&A has unveiled its plans for a “fun and affordable” golf venue at Lethamhill.
New images reveal how golf’s governing body wants to transform the 18-hole public course into a family-friendly facility.
Adventure golf, putting greens, a short-game area, a nine-hole course, a par three course and a 25-bay floodlit driving range are included.
A new network of nature trails, open to the public, linking with Seven Lochs Wetland Park routes could also be developed.
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R&A staff will submit the proposal to Glasgow City Council on Friday. It is hoped the venue would be open by summer next year.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We want to make golf more welcoming and inclusive for people for all ages and backgrounds.
“So, we need to appeal to them by offering a variety of fun and affordable activities that entice more families and young people into the sport.”
A café, fitness studio, indoor simulator, movie theatre, education room and retail area are also being planned as part of a central hub, which would offer views of Hogganfield Loch and the Campsie Fells.
The R&A was formed in 2004 to take on The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ responsibilities for governing the rules of golf and staging The Open.
It has committed to investing £200million in the development of golf over ten years and snapped up the Lethamhill course from the council for £200,000 last year.
Mr Slumbers added: “We are excited by the prospect of establishing a facility in the very heart of the local community in north-east Glasgow that provides an accessible pathway into golf and inspires people to get out, have fun and experience the many health benefits that playing golf with family and friends can provide.”
Alongside Glasgow Life, which ran the course for the council, The R&A says the views of golfers, community groups and elected representatives are being sought to help shape the redevelopment.
Work is also under way with the Golf Foundation and Scottish Golf on participation and education programmes – opening the facility up to local schools.
Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “This project is a great example of innovative thinking which protects and enhances resources relied on by the local communities and the whole city.
“It delivers an incredible facility for golfers while at the same time offering families more opportunities to discover the joy and health benefits of taking part in sport.”
The R&A has also teamed up with the Seven Loch Partnership, making “clear commitments” to delivering a sustainable facility which benefits the local community.
New nature trails would link into the existing walking routes and could be used by visitors to the park.
Councillor Maureen Burke, chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership, said: “The R&A’s plans for Lethamhill will be a fantastic addition to the Seven Lochs Wetland Park and will help to make the park a great place to discover and explore nature on your doorstep.
“This is a great opportunity to show how golf can promote wider well-being and environmental benefits and we look forward to working closely with The R&A to create new habitats for wildlife, design nature trails around the golf course and develop outdoor learning activities for local schools.”
The R&A also paid £25,000 to secure the option to buy another public course at Littlehill.
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