It’s being described as “a way of life” and a golf club that members “will never forget”.
Dundee’s last remaining public golf course Caird Park closed on Wednesday, bringing an end to its near century-old history.
It comes after councillors voted to pull its funding last year.
For many members, the course has become the focal point of their lives.
STV News“I watched my mum and stepfather get married here,” said Craig Stevens, a member of around 40 years.
“My stepfather actually had his funeral here just a couple of years ago, so I’ve seen it from the start to the finish.
“It’s a part of life. You stated to anyone ‘I’m going to the Cairdy,’ they knew exactly where you were going.”
Opening in 1926, Caird Park once laid claim to being one of the busiest golf courses in Europe.
After Camperdown Park’s 18-holer shut in 2020, it became Dundee’s last remaining public golf course.
Caird Park’s future was sealed by councillors last year, as part of plans to save operators Leisure and Culture Dundee hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.
STV News“It’s quite sad, especially for members who’ve been there 30, 40, 50 years,” said club captain Ian Gordon.
“That was the last time they’ll be in that club. Ninety nine years, it really hurts.”
Members had hoped the course may be saved by an investment plan, lodged by a local businessman.
But the proposal, which would have seen the creation of a new housing development, didn’t materialise.
Over the last few days members have been clearing out their clubhouse, ahead of the course’s closure.
“It’s people’s lifetime being taken away from them. Their sporting lifetime, the social side of things,” said fellow member, Jim Doran.
“[Nearly] 100 years. That’s a lot of history. A lot of good characters who have came through the club
“They’re all in my memory. It’ll be a club I’ll never forget.”
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