Sergio Garcia has faced some criticism following his decision to join LIV Golf, but the former Masters champion showed his class by helping save Dalmuir Municipal in Scotland
LIV Golf star Sergio Garcia played his part in help saving Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course in Scotland from being permanently closed down.
Dalmuir, which is located in West Dunbartonshire – 20 miles from Glasgow – is the only course currently open to the public in the area, and was at risk of being reduced from 18 holes to 12 or being closing down all together by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC). At a recent council meeting though, it has been confirmed that the course will stay open.
The proposals were initially made as part of a 50 money-saving option plan presented by the council, as part of the the WDC attempting to cut the £8.6 million gap in its budget. But despite playing his golf on the best courses in the world on the LIV circuit, Garcia was eager to play his part in helping out.
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In a letter outlining the plans for closure, the council wrote: “The council is operating in an extremely challenging financial environment. Rapidly reducing budgets mean the options available to us [WDC] to continue to provide services in the same way are limited, and we must take action to save money while still delivering the vital services our residents rely on.”
It has since been decided by the council that the course would not be part of any cuts, after almost 8,000 people signed a petition against the plans – including former Masters champion Garcia. The Fireballs GC captain was not the only big name who signed the petition, with award-winning caddie Craig Connelly signing, as well as Aston Villa star and Scotland international John McGinn.
Sharing the petition on social media, last month, McGinn tweeted: “Gutted to read this. Please sign if you can!” The petition was also shared by Scotland’s highest tanked golfer and Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre, who encouraged his 75,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) to sign the petition.
In the aftermath of the initial closure news, provost of the WDC and the leader of the local Labour group, Douglas McAllister opposed the plans and the Scottish National Party, tweeting in February: “Generations of Bankies have enjoyed our stunning municipal golf course at Dalmuir.
I’m proud of the Scottish Labour councillors at WDC who will vote against the proposal to close the course. We are the last line of defence against SNP underfunding of local councils… We won’t reduce the size of the course. The Labour group are committed to this.
“Hope that helps to clarify matters and allay fears. 100% Guarantee. I can’t state it any clearer than that. I hope many of our local residents will consider joining.” In response, SNP West Dunbartonshire claimed: “We won’t be closing, shortening, or harming golf course. Labour have a majority and will do what they want, including making it 9 holes/reducing maintenance etc.”
