Golf club owner offers to save struggling venue

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 30, 2020 06:36

A golf club owner who tried to rescue one club that closed this year has now offered to hold talks with a view to saving another venue that is due to close at the end of this year.

Recently it was announced that the Harry Colt-designed 18-hole Allestree Park Golf Course in Derbyshire has been told it must permanently close at the end of December.

However, the owner of the Nottinghamshire Golf Club has said he hopes to save the venue.

Alan Hardy said he has contacted Derby City Council, the owner of Allestree Golf Club, offering to hold talks around formulating a rescue package.

Allestree Park Golf Course. Image from Facebook

According to TheBusinessDesk.com Hardy said: “I was saddened to hear once again how another golf club is about to close its doors.

“I’ve spoken to Derby City Council and I understand the club isn’t viable in its current guise which I understand as it is a very tough economic time and many businesses are being forced to review the future

“I understand also that they want to turn it to parkland, which is appealing as people need free green spaces to spend time in particularly during times of ongoing restrictions and lockdowns but I can’t help but wonder is there a compromise so that golf can continue on the site

“In my experience of running a successful golf club, and using the lessons learned at The Nottinghamshire, I feel that there may be an opportunity to save Allestree. Multiple jobs could be created if made viable, and maybe working with the council we can find a way to make elements of this open to the public to enjoy the areas of natural beauty as well.

“I would very much welcome the opportunity to sit down with the team at Derby City Council to see if we can create something for the wider community as well as creating job opportunities and ensuring golf is available as a sport, effectively creating a rescue package.

A petition against the course closing has already attracted over 6,000 signatures. 

Earlier this year Hardy contacted the liquidators at Patshull Park, which had just closed down, to see if it could be brought back.

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 30, 2020 06:36
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5 Comments

  1. Peter December 2, 12:31

    Nice to see and hear !! I believe those who can afford to do more…should !! These are very tough, trying times where more leaders and heroes are needed !! If you wanted to lead, step-up !! Opportunities are out there !! And…it doesn’t always take money !!

    Reply to this comment
  2. fredsinbed December 1, 22:55

    Our club has public walkways across it. Whilst we are not playing they happily walking across it in twos and threes

    Reply to this comment
    • Loobyloo December 4, 11:31

      Therevare public foot paths acroos the club where I play…
      They still walk in fron ofvgolfersvteeingboff..in 2,3 and alowing children to run all over..They don’t appreciate the danger…

      Reply to this comment
  3. Sprake365 December 1, 13:20

    I totally agree with you mate why can they let 22 men on a pitch kissing and cuddling and not let people on a golf course where you can social distance easier

    Reply to this comment
  4. Sam November 30, 20:47

    Football and rugby matches with the players climbing all over each other, considered ok. Golf cannot be played??
    What??

    Reply to this comment
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