GOLFERS fighting to save their council-owned course in Oldbury say they had been given no warning of proposals to close it and fear it could end up as a housing estate.

Members of the Brandhall Golf Club say they are disgusted at the way Sandwell Council announced the possible closure of the 116-year-old ground. 

Lee Underhill, the club president, said the council had been underhand in not warning players of proposals to close the course and replace it with either housing, a school or new park. 

He said: “I think it’s totally disgusting that they haven’t come and sat with us before sending out a press release to the papers and letter to local residents. 

“There should have been consultation with all the members in one big meeting, but personally I think it’s just an underhand thing and we have a big battle on our hands to save this place.”

Last week the council announced that cabinet members would discuss proposals to close the course, which it says is underused and too costly to run.

Announcing a public consultation on its future it said a new public park could be created, but part of the golf course site may also be used for homes and the rebuilding of Causeway Green Primary School.

A report to the local authority’s cabinet says closing the course would save more than £250,000 a year.

They also say almost two thirds of the club’s 318 members live outside Sandwell meaning the council spends £157,000 subsidising golfers from other areas.

In addition, it claims the course is in a ‘poor condition’ and £3 million would have to be spent to bring it up to par.

Mr Underhill said: “That is totally and utter rubbish. This course does not need a lot of money spending on it to bring it up to scratch. It is in a good condition as it is.”

He added:  “I personally believe this land will be sold for housing, not for a school. Yes, they may keep a little bit as a park  

“It is solely being sold for housing, for profit for Sandwell council.”

David Hart, a member for over 30 years, said the council had failed to invest in and properly manage the course.

“Brandhall golf course is a beautiful place. We are in the autumn of the year now and I defy anyone to find another course as beautiful as this. It really is a picture.”

David Willets, who joined over 20 years ago, says he is disgusted by the council’s plans, adding: “They do very little to maintain this course and they will take away a lot of pleasure from a lot of people.”

Sandwell Council though has denied it kept the club in the dark.

Cllr Maria Crompton, cabinet member for safer communities, said: “Brandhall Golf Course is costing council taxpayers £250,000 a year to run.

“The course itself is well-maintained and the staff do their very best with the facilities we have there. But the site needs major improvement work totalling around £3 million to bring it up to the required standard for the future. 

“While no one likes to see facilities close, we have to consider how we invest in the long-term future of the local community, and that could include building much-needed housing, including social housing, creating a new school and a public park that would be open to everyone.

“We met with staff and officials at Brandhall last week before we made the announcement about the public consultation.

“They will, of course, be encouraged to put forward their views as part of the consultation.”

Sandwell  Cabinet will be asked to approve the consultation at its meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).