Caird Park Golf Club’s committee have clarified their stance on proposals to build the Regional Performance Centre for Sport in the historic park.
The committee said any objection to the plans would have “a knock on effect” for golf in the city and offered their full support for the centre to be built in the park.
A vote held in September had indicated members would be “overwhelmingly” opposed to the proposals, however the club committee have said “nothing could be further from the truth”.
A spokesperson for the committee said: “It has been reported that the members of Caird Park Golf Club are ‘overwhelmingly’ against the Regional Performance Centre being planned for Caird Park.
“This could not be further from the truth. As a sporting organisation we fully support any development which will enhance sporting levels in any sport across all levels of performance.
“We had a meeting at the club on Sunday September 25.
“The meeting was held to discuss internal club matters.”
They continued: “At the meeting the issue of the Regional Performance Centre for Sport was raised. A short discussion which was one sided and against the centre was entered into and a vote by show of hands was asked for.
“The decision to vote against the Regional Performance Centre for Sport was an individual affair and was not the opinion from the majority of our members as reported.
“As a Golf Club we try to be democratic in our approach to our members. We are governed by their decisions and have no remit to become embroiled in any political or sensitive issues out with golf unless overwhelming need arises.
“We are currently working with the Leisure and Culture Dundee to promote golf within Dundee. Any objection to the Regional Performance Centre for Sport would in turn have a knock on effect on golf in general and more specifically Caird Park Golf Club.”
The cabinet secretary for health, well-being and sport, Shona Robison MSP, has also announced her support for the centre, calling it “great” for the city.
Campaign group Protect our Parks, Care for Caird are opposed to the centre being built in Caird Park, arguing it will detract from the “green space” the area provides.
The group have been backed by the Scottish Green Party, with co-convener Maggie Chapman saying inner city “green space” needs to be protected.
Dundee City Council’s development management committee will meet on Monday October 24 to decide whether the plans will go ahead.
A public meeting is to be held on Thursday in the Boomerang Centre to discuss the proposals.
