Golfers react to decision to close course

Nigel Wilson said he was one of the current club’s first members, signing up in 1976. He said: “We share the golf course with walkers and ramblers. It is for the community, not just us. For the most part they are oblivious to us, we just have to apply safety rules and not hit balls where they are walking.

“This is not all about golf on the hill, it is to do with a leisure facility. You have got the Cotswold Way passing by.

“Between Winchcombe and Dowdeswell, which is 12.6 miles, this is the place to get refreshments or go to the toilet in that distance.”

Member Jock Steven said they knew the club was struggling but “we did not expect golf on the hill would just cease”.

He said: “We were all devastated when we heard the news. We knew financially the club was struggling because of the pandemic.

“Quite a big turnover is from the food and people have not been coming here. We knew the owners of the lease were struggling, but we did not expect that golf on the hill would just cease.

“Since the lockdown finished the hill has become even more popular for walkers and ramblers. People just want to be outside.

“This place at the weekend is heaving with walkers, it is one of the few places that you feel safe in the fresh air.”

Councillor Helen Munro, who represents the Cleeve Grange ward on the borough council, said: “My concern now is about ensuring that the Common is maintained. Without income from the golf club, I’m concerned that there won’t be enough funding to keep the Common looking beautiful.

“There’s also the question of facilities. For example if the club is closed, the public toilets will close as well. What are people meant to do?

“I just think that the council hasn’t thought this all the way through regarding their decision. I will be looking into this with Tewkesbury Borough Council and ensuring that they have a plan to maintain the Common.”