‘We can’t afford to keep golf course open’

A MUNICIPAL golf course whose greens and fairways have been enjoyed by generations of players is to close next month.

Charity Link4Life has run Marland Golf Course since 2007, but will hand it back to Rochdale Council at the end of March after deciding it is no longer financially viable.

A number of proposals to take over the course - including from its PGA professional Andrew Terry - were considered by Link4Life and the council.

But none have been deemed to be ‘robust’ enough to ensue the future of golf at the venue, which dates back to 1927.

Council chiefs say they cannot justify subsidising a golf course while having to make cuts to children’s social care and other frontline services.

Andy King, CEO of Link4Life, said that while the course remains of a good quality, significant investment would be needed to upgrade facilities and buildings.

It is understood that council chiefs will meet again with Mr Terry and his business partner to discuss his proposal further but at this stage they are making ‘no promises’.