Reaseheath College’s picturesque 9-hole golf course in Nantwich is to close – to make way for more buildings.
Shocked golf club members were delivered the news in a letter from Reaseheath principal Meredydd David.
Mr David (pictured) said it was the college’s need to expand and provide more halls of residence for students, and the fact it is “constrained by open countryside on all sides” that has led to the decision.
The course will make way for a new Horticulture and Environmental Management Centre, a Sport and Fitness Centre, including a 4G pitch, and halls accommodation.
“Reluctantly, the only plausible place for some of this development is on the existing golf course,” he told golf club members.
“It is with great regret that I informed the Golf Club Committee that the college has no option other than to take the decision that this membership year will be the last year of operation for the Reaseheath golf course and club.
“I realise this will be very disappointing news for golf club members, and we are working with the committee to see how the college can mitigate as much of the impact of this as possible.”
Members have already hit out at the decision.
Club member John Morris, a regular user for 18 years, told the Chronicle: “No one at the club is happy about this.
“I’m completely shocked and disgusted at the decision. The club has been there for so many years and some of the members have been there from virtually the beginning.
“A lot of the older members could not even think about playing on another course for health reasons.
“The course is only nine holes and it’s quite flat so it’s perfect for them to get about on and also ideal for people who are just starting out playing.”
The course was set up 26 years as a key part of the college’s Golf Course Management and Turf Management courses.
But according to Mr David, as the 600-staff college has expanded in recent years, demand for those courses has dropped.
Although members are naturally displeased, there are plenty of golf courses around if they really want to continue playing. So keep it in perspective.
Do you know the cost of some of these courses?
In fact are you even a golfer yourself.
Many of the members of Reaseheath are pensioners and on restricted incomes.
Also many of the courses in the area are extemely hilly.
Half of the members wouldn’t even make it up Alsagers ‘Angina Hill’ without an oxygen mask.