ALMOST 500 people have backed a petition objecting to the redevelopment of an historic golf course in Ayr, with organisers stating that they are 'vehemently' against the plan and claiming it could 'destroy' the site.

The proposal to renovate Belleisle Golf Course, drafted by Golf South Ayrshire and Pangaea Golf Architecture, in association with former Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie, has been branded a 'vanity project' by objectors.

The course opened in 1927 and was designed by one of the world’s most influential architects, James Braid.

Belleisle hosted its final major professional tournament in 1967 when it staged the PGA Seniors Championship.

Pending tender returns, the first phase of works will include bunker renovation, construction of hole three and the 11th green, new teeing grounds on some holes and irrigation installation.

That work is slated to begin between January and April next year, with phase two starting between September 2025 and March 2026.

This would include the completion of tree works, bunker renovation, teeing grounds and the construction of the 18th green.

A final phase of work involving the construction of a development centre could start in December next year, pending planning approval.

However, a petition set up by club member Robert Long has garnered more than 450 signatures after being launched on October 12.

The petition claims that the proposals would "destroy" the course, and that most members of the clubs playing at Belleisle are against the plans.

It reads: "The latest proposal prepared by Pangaea Golf Architecture in association with Paul Lawrie will still, although much less than any previous proposal, destroy the course and reduce dramatically its reputation.

"The vast majority of golf clubs playing mostly over the Belleisle Park golf courses are vehemently against this ‘vanity project’.

"You will have noticed that South Ayrshire Council are developing a 'driving range' using the first 260 yards of the iconic first hole at Belleisle course.

"We are vehemently against this proposal which would lose the first hole, create a new long par hole on the existing Practice Area and make other alterations to reduce the championship standard par 71 course down to a par 69 course with six par 3 holes.

"We believe there to be flaws with health and safety, welfare facilities and management, opening times, flood lighting and public access/dog walkers. 

"Let’s stop the intended vandalism of the James Braid designed course."

A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The concept designs for Belleisle Golf Course are available to view anytime at Belleisle Park Clubhouse until Thursday, October 31, and a range of public engagement sessions are taking place throughout the month with council officers and representatives from golf architects, Pangaea.

"Feedback can also be provided on our website. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the public engagement is ongoing.”

The designs will be available to view at Belleisle Golf Club until Thursday, October 31, and drop-in sessions will be available on the dates and times below:

  • Tuesday, October 22 – 10am until 3pm (with a representative from Pangaea Architecture)
  • Tuesday, October 29 – 12pm until 3pm (with Golf South Ayrshire staff)

The designs can also be viewed at golfsouthayrshire.com/investment.

The petition can be viewed at change.org/p/stop-belleisle-golf-development.