Fight for control of Direct Golf continues

The chairman of Direct Golf, John Andrew, is working with accountancy firm Begbies Traynor in an effort to salvage the business and has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, according to a report by the Huddersfield Daily Examiner.

If PGA professional Andrew has indeed taken such action then it would provide a measure of protection from Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct who are allegedly trying to take over the business. Earlier this week it was reported that Direct Golf employees had been sent letters stating that they are now employees of Sports Direct, which last year purchased a 25 per cent equity stake in the business.

Mr Andrew claimed that Sports Direct sent in officials to change the locks on Direct Golf’s headquarters in Huddersfield. It is believed they have now been changed back.

Direct Golf is the UK’s second largest golf retailer; the company employs 180 people and has 19 stores, some with golf ranges. The Direct Golf website has stopped taking orders, with the website citing ‘technical problems’.