Golf club ends concessions for elderly golfers

Stockwood Park Golf Club in Luton has ended its practice of offering concessions to elderly members.

Several golf clubs offer discounts to elderly golfers, which are popular among them and often justified because they may have contributed a lot of money to the venues over a number of years.

However, some have argued that as golf is trying to appeal to younger golfers these concessions should not exist, as members typically aged under 60 have to subsidise them.

At Stockwood Park Golf Club five day memberships for senior players have been abolished, meaning that old age pensioners have to purchase a standard five day adult membership if they want to continue their weekday participation at the club.

This costs £450 – a £50 increase on last year’s cost to pensioners, who have raised their concerns to Active Luton, which runs the club, over the hike.

Tony Gentle, 70, told Luton News: “It is a hell of an increase for some of us.

“Most other golf clubs do offer senior rates, it made quite a bit of difference.

“They say it is comparable to other clubs in the area but a five day membership costs £345 at Chalgrave Golf Club (Toddington).

“We do not want to go to another golf club.

“Why is Active Luton picking on pensioners?”

A spokesperson for the sport and leisure trust said: “Active Luton is committed to providing accessible and affordable sports, health and wellbeing services for all of Luton’s population.

“We ensure that our prices compare very favourably to similar facilities or services in our area and believe that we provide excellent value for money for everyone.”