Two golf clubs close down for good

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 18, 2020 07:17

Despite the huge participation increase in golf in 2020, two golf clubs, one in Derbyshire and one in Angus, have closed down.

In Derbyshire, the Harry Colt-designed 18-hole Allestree Park Golf Course has been told it must permanently close at the end of December.

Its local council had wanted to sell the municipal venue because ‘the course operated significantly below capacity and at a deficit on a consistent basis, which was unsustainable.’

Four bids were received to run the golf course but none of them were able to demonstrate they were viable, stated the council.

Allestree Park Golf Course. Image from Facebook

A public consultation found three quarters of consultees saying they believed the course was important and should be retained, but the council stated: “Following due consideration of the outcomes of both the consultation and expressions of interest exercises, that no viable business proposals to operate the golf course were submitted and that golf provision at Allestree Park would cease on 31 December.”

According to the Derby Telegraph, news about the closure has caused dismay among golfers.

The council says that the golf course will be returned to parkland.

The golf club was founded in 1930 as Derbyshire Golf Club. It closed during the war and re-opened as Allestree Park GC in 1948.

Meanwhile, Letham Grange Golf Club in Angus has also closed.

The venue’s members voted to cease to occupy and operate the course last year, but it only officially folded and closed its bank accounts this autumn.

“It is quite sad it has come to this,” former club secretary Bruce Currie told Bunkered. “The owner isn’t doing anything at all and the situation has only got worse. I believe he has turned down an offer of £6 million for the estate as well, which is really surprising.

“We dealt with him for two years, never heard from him and never understood what he was up to, and that remains to be the case.”

Letham Grange Golf Club. Image from Facebook

All of the club’s remaining funds, have been donated to causes deemed worthy by the committee, as agreed at the club’s final general meeting.

The principal recipient is the newly-formed ‘Letham Grange Junior Golf Development Fund’ run by the Angus County Golf Association, which has received £8,300.

Currie added: “Obviously it’s disappointing that we have had to shut such a brilliant club but I think this is a nice way to go out. Letham Grange Golf Club can live on, supporting junior golf in the community and, to me, that’s a nice thought.

“Everyone at the club has joined other golf clubs now but this course will always be remembered by everyone who had the opportunity to be a member here.”

Cash donations were also made to two local foodbanks and two cancer research organisations. Food Parcel Old and Abbey Parish Church received £1,380, while Angus Foodbank Arbroath benefited to the tune of £1,382. The remaining money was sent to Prostate Cancer UK (£691) and Breast Cancer Care Scotland (£691).

 

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 18, 2020 07:17
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6 Comments

  1. APicken November 29, 21:47

    Allestree Park is a fantastic municipal course that is still accessible to all. Set in a World Heritage Site overlooking the city. Many of the golf holes are still played to the original Harry S Colt design. He described one of the holes called “The Bluff” as one of the most challenging he ever created. It started operation on 31st May 1930. It has been woefully mismanaged by the local council and is a diamond in the rough. The Allestree Park Golf club is folding due to the council’s sale of the grade 2 listed building they were leasing as a clubhouse. With some care and attention, this course could be returned to its original glory. Contact me if you want more information as I am researching its history and standing in the history of Midlands golf.

    Reply to this comment
  2. Andy P November 29, 14:11

    Allestree Park is a fantastic municipal course that is still accessible to all. Set in a World Heritage Site overlooking the city. Many of the golf holes are still played to the original Harry S Colt design. He described one of the holes called “The Bluff” as one of the most challenging he ever created. It started operation on 31st May 1930. It has been woefully mismanaged by the local council and is a diamond in the rough. The Allestree Park Golf club is folding due to the council’s sale of the grade 2 listed building they were leasing as a clubhouse. With some care and attention, this course could be returned to its original glory. Contact me if you want more information as I am researching its history and standing in the history of Midlands golf.

    Reply to this comment
  3. RHanlin November 23, 13:10

    It’s a sad day when one of older Golf Course closes.

    Reply to this comment
    • DaveT November 23, 21:01

      So many of these “Municipal” or similar courses are closing down, many so old and long standing. Most councils do not want them and when they find an operator, it is oft one that is in it for money alone – so sad.

      Reply to this comment
  4. Mondo November 19, 08:47

    Hard to understand that golf clubs are closed for golf, but people allowed to walk around a course as long as you don’t take your clubs with you ,if you play golf as an amateur you couldn’t have a game more socially distanced,

    Reply to this comment
    • Galey November 19, 14:07

      A social distance game, fresh Air, 1ball or 4ball, safe, don’t have to touch anything. We’re living in a mad, mad world. A eco friendly game, spoilt.

      Reply to this comment
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