Pensioners in Glasgow have hit out at a decision to axe free golf for the over 60s.

Members received a letter from Glasgow Life, which runs the city's sport centres, explaining that fees were being re-introduced as part of a cost-cutting plan by the council.

Pensioners using any of the city's six course will now be charged £134 for a six-month season ticket.

Glasgow City Council is tasked with making £130million in cuts between now and 2018 and said "no part" was immune from budget pressures.

Golfers say the majority of people who use the courses are over 60 and feel that OAPs are being unfairly targeted.

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The charges came into force on August 1.

James Smith, from Easterhouse, took up golf after the death of his wife two years ago and plays regularly at the Lethamhill course in the city's north-east.

He said: "I'm a keen golfer.

"When we were 60 we were getting free golf. I got a letter saying that fees are being re-introduced from August 1.

"It's really shocking. I feel quite angry about it and all the group feel the same.

"It just feels like, they need to get some money back so let's target the pensioners.

"It's mainly pensioners who use the courses."

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “The council is dealing with the biggest ever cut in its funding from the Scottish Government and is having to make savings of £130m over two years. No part of the council is immune from these budget pressures, but we’re doing everything we can to protect priority areas of education and social work.

“A comprehensive review of budget options was carried out, and it was agreed the fee for over 60s to play golf on Glasgow Life courses would be reintroduced as part of the savings plan.

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"This was advertised to customers in golf sites and on Glasgow Life’s website from July of this year.

“Glasgow Life offers competitive rates and season ticket deals are available for over 60s to play golf on their courses across the city, and the price which has been introduced is indeed lower than the previous charge in 2013.”

Last year, Glasgow Life was criticised for axing a jogging network set up 18 years ago to help boost the city's health record.

As well as hosting coach-led session in every part of the city seven days a week, the network ran courses aimed at preparing novice runners for events including the Glasgow Women's 10k race and Great Scottish Run half marathon as well as full marathons.

A number of coaches have now re-launched jogging groups on a voluntary basis.