Members outraged as popular UK golf training centre forced into sudden closure

One of the United Kingdom's most storied golf training grounds — made famous by legendary coach Bob Torrance — is being shut down in a move that has left golfers stunned and furious.

The golf complex at National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde in Largs, Scotland, a site steeped in golfing history and once the beating heart of Torrance’s coaching empire, is set to close its golf facility permanently. 

Members of the popular golf training centre claim the decision “came out of the blue”, landing in inboxes with no warning.

The bombshell was delivered in an email to paying members this week, confirming the curtain will fall two weeks before The Masters on 31 March 2026.

The email to members read: “We are writing to let you know that regrettably the centre has made the difficult decision to close the golf training centre permanently, with the last day of operation on 31 March 2026.

“The core aim of the national centre is to provide a venue for residential sports training, however, there has been no usage of golf for this purpose. Given the substantial operating costs, it is not financially viable for the centre to continue a membership-only programme.

“The golf training facility will continue to operate in its current format until 31 March 2026. We’d like to thank you for your support and use of the golf facility over the last few years.”

But while the message may have been carefully worded, the impact on the local golfing community has been anything but gentle.

‘No forewarning’ — PGA pro blindsided

Anthony O’Donnell, the PGA professional based at Inverclyde, said the news dropped like a sledgehammer.

He told The Scotsman: "I received the news yesterday with no forewarning. This is a huge blow not only to myself but to all golfers in the area as golf is such a massive part of life in Largs and the surrounding areas.”

Golfers are now left reeling, with many questioning how such an important facility — one synonymous with the development of Scottish and European golf talent — could be allowed to disappear.

A range with a legendary legacy

The closure marks the end of an era for a range once synonymous with Bob Torrance, the revered coach who honed the games of three-time major champion Padraig Harrington and European Ryder Cup greats Lee Westwood and Paul McGinley on these very grounds. 

Torrance, who died in 2014 and whose son Sam Torrance captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory at The Belfry in 2002, used the Largs range as his coaching base for years. Sam also secured Europe's first Ryder Cup victory as Team Europe in 1985 (and first since 1957) when holing a 20-footer for birdie on the final green at The Belfry. 

The golf training centre at National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde in Largs also hosted Scottish Golf squad sessions during Torrance’s tenure as national coach, playing a crucial role in developing generations of home-grown talent.

Now, with the closure looming, many fear the Scottish golfing landscape is losing not just a facility — but a piece of its sporting soul.

What do you make of this news? 

Have you heard of any golf closures local to you?

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