A TURN-of-the-century golf club which attracted members from across the county dramatically closed for good on Sunday night.

Brunston Castle Golf Club committee felt that the Dailly-based course was no longer sustainable in its present form.

The bombshell news was delivered over the weekend on the club's Facebook page.

A statement posted on the Brunston Castle Golf Club Facebook page read: "It is with great sadness that due to unforeseen circumstances Brunston Castle Golf Club is closing on Sunday, January 13. We would like to wish all our staff, members and visitors who have stuck by us through the years all the best".

The Ayrshire Golf Association (AGA_ understand that the Club Committee have explored various options and have been in discussions with the land owner but it was concluded that the club was not sustainable in its present form.

The course was laid out in the early 1990's and developed a fine reputation over the years, hosting many county and national events, and the members also enjoyed success in a number of Ayrshire competitions over the years.

First owned and built by a Belgian diamond merchant, the course had a number of private owners over the years before the club members took over the lease of the course and clubhouse in 2013, but with membership figures dropping to under 100 recently, the very sad decision has been taken to close the club down.

An AGA spokesman said: "All at the Ayrshire Golf Association have the upmost sympathy for the members of Brunston Castle Golf Club, and hope that all that wish to will be able to find alternative outlets to continue playing golf in the future.

"In conclusion it is important to extend sincere thanks to the members and officials of Brunston Castle Golf Club, both past and present for their long standing and enthusiastic support for the work of the Ayrshire Golf Association and the various competitions in which the members participated.

A sad day for golf in Ayrshire and beyond