Glasgow youngsters can tee off for free in new city golf initiative

Sep 24 2009 By Frank Hurley

YOUNG golfers can play on any city municipal golf course for FREE thanks to a pioneering Glasgow City Council venture.

Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, announced the decision at the official inauguration of 100-year-old Ruchill Golf Course.

Councillor Purcell was joined by Scottish golf legend Colin Montgomerie at the official reopening of Ruchill Golf Course.

The Ryder Cup Captain, who helped save the course in a £2.1 million revamp, gave delighted youngsters a few tips on iron shots.

Cllr Purcell said charges will be abolished for all under-18s who live or study in Glasgow at the courses at Alexandra, Knightswood, Lethamhill, Linn Park, Littlehill and Ruchill.

Young people must show eligibility by presenting either a Glasgow Kidz Card or Young Scot card.

The course, which reopened after 12 years, will be available for golfers on a full-time basis from April 2010, and is intended to raise interest in the sport.

Mr Purcell said: "Increasing physical activity in the city is a key objective for the council, and we believe that removing charges for young people can help introduce them to the game of golf.

"Our six golf courses are spread across the city and provide excellent facilities within reach of all citizens.

"The removal of charges for tennis in the city saw over four times as many people playing tennis in Glasgow and we hope this will have a similar effect on golf.

"We already provide free access for all to our tennis courts and bowling greens along with free swimming for the under-18s and over-60s.

"I believe that the introduction of free golf will encourage more people to take up sport and help deliver a more active Glasgow."