Golf course future under discussion

Four options for the future of Cannock Park Golf Course are going to be discussed by councillors on Monday.

Councillors on Cannock Chase Council's scrutiny committee will be discussing the future of the course as it is running at a loss to the council.

Since 2003 the course, off Stafford Road, has seen the number of rounds played on it has reduced by a quarter while the 2004/05 financial year was the last when the course made a profit.

Last year the course made 13.3 per cent less money than in 2003/04.

The options being considered are: reducing the 18-hole course to nine holes and finding other uses for the land, reducing it to nine holes to include a driving range, keeping all 18 holes and include a driving range or selling the complete operation off as either 18 or nine holes.

Councillors are also being asked to recommend to the ruling cabinet that £25,000 be put to one side to spend on a special feasibility study to see which option would be best.

In his report to the committee as chairman of the Golf Course Fundamental Service Review Panel, Councillor Robert Meaden said: -

"For a number of years the course has commanded a leading place in the local market but it has become extremely price sensitive as other providers of courses and opportunities have increased.

"Due to increased competition the ability to increase golf fees has reduced while costs have continued to increase. The golf course is likely to continue to run at a cost to the council for the foreseeable future."

At the site there are currently 18-hole course covering four miles, a nine-hole practice putting green, changing rooms and services including golf buggy hire, advice on course etiquette and a shop to get golfing items and refreshment.

An improvement plan has been drawn up while a decision is made on the course's future including plans to set up a golf development programme by January for school children to increase their interest in the sport and golf coaching by April.

The course, which opened in 1988, is open 364 days of the year.

The undulating parkland course is 5,150 yards long and a par 67 and provides a good test for golfers of all levels and abilities.

Opening times during summer are 7.30am till dusk and during winter months from 8am till dusk.