The R&A has submitted planning application to Glasgow City Council for the construction of a new golf facility that could open in summer 2022. 

The project aims to redevelop the Lethamhill golf course, currently a municipal facility, and create a community venue with a nine-hole course, par-three layout, putting greens, short game area, adventure golf and 25-bay floodlit driving range.

The R&A is working alongside Scott Macpherson Golf Course Design, IMG and Holmes Miller to develop the facility. An agreement to purchase the site has been reached in principle with Glasgow City Council and will be completed once planning permission is granted.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We want to make golf more welcoming and inclusive for people of all ages and backgrounds and 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. 

“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.” 

In collaboration with charitable organisation Glasgow Life, the views of local golfers, community groups and elected representatives are being considered to help shape the development.  

Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life and deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, 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. 

“We’re looking forward to working with The R&A and engaging with groups and clubs in the local area to develop a facility which is the first of its kind in Glasgow.”

Work is also being carried out with the Golf Foundation and Scottish Golf to devise future participation and education programmes that use Glasgow Life’s ‘Active Schools’ network to connect local schools with the new facility. 

The R&A has worked with Seven Lochs Partnership and sustainability professionals to establish commitments to delivering positive environmental, health and social benefits to the local community and ensure that the new facility is sustainable.

A new network of public nature trails that link to existing walking routes of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park is being planned for use by visitors to the urban heritage and nature 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.”