The newly formed ‘Save The Glen’ campaign group is urging fellow golf club members to “ask questions” about plans for The Ancient Links Golf Company (TALGC) to take over the day-to-day running of their club.

The deal would see the private firm invest between £8 million and £10 million in the course, clubhouse and facilities and grow visitor income through higher visitor green fees and an increase in annual visitors from about 7,000 to around 10,000.

Members would retain playing rights through a Golf Access Rights Agreement, that could not be changed without their consent, and fee increases would be capped at £40 for the first five years; existing members, meanwhile, would become ‘founding members’ and enjoy protected tee times.

TALGC was established last year with the aim of working with historic Scottish links courses to help protect and enhance clubs for future generations – it says the investment would create a “championship standard” venue.

It has already partnered with Scotscraig Golfing Club in Tayport and Forfar Golf Club in Angus.

However, the newly formed Save The Glen group believes the proposed arrangement could “fundamentally take away the sense of community from the club” and is calling for members to be given more information on the club’s finances before deciding whether to approve the deal.

Alasdair Kerr and Alan Nisbet, two former club captains who have been members for more than 20 years, are behind the campaign group, which is calling for members to be given more information on the club before deciding whether to approve the deal.

Alasdair said: “The way the proposal has been presented seems like a one-way street. TALGC have been given an open forum but there doesn’t seem much room for a counter-argument to be given.

“Community importance is central to the club and, if that changes, it would just send that all away.”

While TALGC has proposed a major refurbishment of the clubhouse as part of its investment package, Save The Glen says the makeover would take away from the building’s important role as an events venue used by employers, community groups and charities.

These include the Abbey Church, Leuchie, North Berwick Air Cadets, the Stroke Club and the RNLI.

Alan said: “The management and TALGC say a constitution will come in place under the 125-year lease, which will be agreed by members, but, in reality, what is to stop a new owner from playing hardball in the future?

“As members, we are custodians of the club, so we have to think about it like that – what do we want to pass on to future generations?”

TALGC has engaged with the management committee and members at a series of meetings.

However, the captains say “nowhere have we been given the full facts and figures”.

The group says it is not opposed to investment at the club, but believes members should be able to consider the full financial picture and alternatives before deciding whether to support the deal.

Alasdair said: “We realise everything isn’t perfect, but The Glen is a significant asset to North Berwick and beyond. We feel there is a record number of members and income coming through, and we are financially healthy.

“There has already been progress on improving the course and we want to enhance services in a modest way that is respectful to its history.”

A vote on whether to accept the proposed deal was planned for September but it is understood that this will be delayed.

The Courier has asked The Glen Golf Club for a comment.