Golf could be making a comeback at Caird Park in 2027 - and it can’t come soon enough

Discussion around the future of Caird Park is gathering real momentum again, and this time, there’s genuine reason to believe golf could be on its way back to the heart of Dundee.

Plans led by Movement Park to transform the site into a new Urban Sports and Wellbeing Village are beginning to take shape, and crucially, they place golf right at the centre.

The proposal would see the return of both the 18-hole and 9-hole courses that were lost in 2025, alongside a wider mix of activities designed to open the park up to more people.

That alone makes this one of the most important developments for sport in the city right now.

What strengthens the case even further is the level of public backing.

As per The Courier, around 90% of people surveyed by the charity are in favour of the plans, with support coming not just from individuals but from sports clubs, schools and community organisations across Dundee. That’s not a marginal response - it’s a clear signal that people want to see golf return.

And rightly so.

The closure of Caird Park’s courses last year left a gap that hasn’t been filled. For many, it was the most accessible place in the city to play golf, whether that was a full round or just getting started. Since then, there’s been nothing within Dundee itself that truly replaces that experience.

A couple of weeks ago, I went along to Drumoig Golf Course to try out the driving range, and it was a great reminder of what Dundee is missing. It was simple, welcoming and easy to dip into without any pressure. That kind of offering should exist within the city, not miles outside it.

Movement Park’s plans recognise that. Their vision is not just about bringing golf back, but making it inclusive and central to a wider community space. They’ve made it clear that concerns around housing or losing green space are unfounded, with golf forming a key part of what the park would become.

There is also real progress behind the scenes. The group has already completed its consultation phase, secured strong backing, and is now working with architects on designs. Advanced discussions with Dundee City Council are ongoing, with the next step being a formal asset transfer application followed by a decision from councillors.

However, there is still a reality check when it comes to timing.

It’s now expected that no work will begin on site this year, meaning 2027 is the earliest realistic point at which golf could return to Caird Park if the plans are approved.

That may feel like a wait, but in the context of where things stood just months ago, it represents real progress.

The key issue now is commitment.

The proposal is there. The public support is there. The vision is clear. What needs to follow is backing from the council to turn this into something tangible. Without that, the risk is that momentum fades and Dundee is left without a proper, accessible golfing facility for even longer.

This is a rare opportunity to get it right.

Bringing back both the 18-hole and 9-hole courses wouldn’t just restore what was lost - it would re-establish golf as a central, accessible part of life in the city again.

If Caird Park is going to evolve, then golf shouldn’t be an afterthought.

It should be the reason it comes back to life.