Councillors teed up plans for a controversial golf training course cutting through common good land in Ayr.
Two holes from a proposed golf academy would be located at the much-loved Old Racecourse with the rest of the course spreading into Belleisle.
Councillors sitting on the Leadership Panel approved steps to bring the proposal closer to reality.
But bosses insist objectors who are furious about the potential loss of the open space will still be heard during future consultation.
Depute council leader Brian McGinley described the academy as a “welcome development” and praised the Ayrshire Golf Trust for driving it forward.
He said: “This is an attempt to get young people across South Ayrshire into the sport.”
He warned: “The consequences of not supporting this could be far reaching.”
Hitting back at opposition, Councillor Philip Saxton claimed there were “serial objectors" involved.
He said: “The rewards outweigh the objections.”
The popular Old Racecourse is used by residents and clubs for football, rugby, running and dog walking.
Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council said: “The Old Racecourse is common good land belonging to the people of Ayr. It does not belong to South Ayrshire Council to dispose of.”
The Ayrshire Golf Trust is seeking funding from Sportscotland and other bodies to make it happen. It is estimated costs could run between £410,000 to £465,000.
The meeting heard consultation would take place on the venture and objections will be considered.
Councillors approved a paper on the plan this week.
They gave the go-ahead for council officials to undertake work “to progress a petition to the sheriff” to change usage of the open space.
They also approved the possibility of ploughing £200,000 into the academy bid.
Maintenance of the grounds would also cost the council £21,000 annually.
