Oh no not another golf course closure?!

[sawtooth]

Rushmoor are looking to close Southwood GC, sneakily they want to change its use to a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) which means that its protected and can never be built on. It does however mean that they would then be free to build 2,500 houses elsewhere in the borough.

Its OK though because there are other pay and play courses within 10 miles that you can still play.

http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/article/...od-Golf-Course-into-new-natural-open-parkland

 

[xcore]

That's a shame, cut my teeth there and at blackwater. Not a bad little muni bar the 17th and 18th

 

[El Diablo]

Played it a few times when I started out - reading the document and the annual losses this looks like closure is a racing certainty

 

[sawtooth]

I've never actually played it despite living less than 10 miles away but if this closes it will put more pressure on surrounding clubs. Especially if they build another 2500 houses.

Probably 200 golfers need to find a new home, and that's only members not casual golfers and societies of which there will be many others.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I've played it - twice I think - it's only 6miles away - quite an OK track. We quite regularly get members moving from there to us. But still a pity, just an excuse to build houses. But they are needed - though at Southwood? Mmmh - not sure how the local infrastructure will cope.

 

[jemm]

Sad news. Guess there's no use expecting them to build a new club in return

 

[Pedrobandito]

Got my only ever hole in one there...

Topped it off the 10th tee and it rolled all the way

 

[sawtooth]

I've played it - twice I think - it's only 6miles away - quite an OK track. We quite regularly get members moving from there to us. But still a pity, just an excuse to build houses. But they are needed - though at Southwood? Mmmh - not sure how the local infrastructure will cope.

No houses at Southwood

 

[jim8flog]

The course where I first started to play. Nice track for a newbie or experienced player. I still play it occasionally when I visit my brother. Sadly it seems to be the way a lot of councils are going.

Reading the article it is not going to be used for housing but as public open space.

 

[sawtooth]

The course where I first started to play. Nice track for a newbie or experienced player. I still play it occasionally when I visit my brother. Sadly it seems to be the way a lot of councils are going.

Reading the article it is not going to be used for housing but as public open space.

Agreed but then that gives them the go ahead to build 2500 houses elsewhere in the borough.

It's a bit of a con really.

 

[richart]

I played it when it was a 9 hole course in the early 80's. Not very good and very wet then.