Two courses to close in the south-west

Lostwithiel Golf and Country Club in Cornwall and Taunton Vale Golf Club in Somerset are both set to close in November.

Lostwithiel Golf Club is described on its website as, “Set amongst 150 acres of rolling wooded hills within the tranquil valley of the River Fowey, there is no better location in Cornwall.” The website also states the club, “is proud to have a solid foundation of members who take part in our monthly competitions throughout the year.” As well as the golf course the club has 27 letting bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. Nick Cook is the teaching professional at the club.

Opened in 1991, the club was sold in 2012 by property firm GVA to Michael Davey a local entrepreneur with experience in the golf club management. Davey also manages Boringdon Park Golf Club in Plympton and Trethorne Golf Club near Launceston. Lostwithiel club secretary, Dave Vine stated to the Cornish Guardian, “We had a meeting because we had heard unconfirmed reports from staff saying things seemed to be changing. Mike Davey came to that meeting and told us that the club would be closing on 1 November.”

Meanwhile Taunton Vale Golf Club (pictured) which opened in 1991 has been sold off for £1.8 million and will revert to agricultural land. A statement on the club’s website says, “The owners have announced this morning that the Golf Club has been sold – it’s been confirmed that the new owners will be converting the land back to agricultural. It is with regret therefore, that we have to inform you all that the Club will be closing its doors for the last time on Sunday 30 November 2014.”

Taunton Vale has two courses: the Charlton 18 holes, measuring 6,282 yards and the nine hole Durston 2,004 yard ‘academy’ course. A ‘Save Taunton Vale Golf Club’ group tried to raise funds to mount a members’ buy-out but with insufficient time they could not match the market offer. Humberts, the agency that jointly marketed Taunton Vale stated that the club was being sold because the “co-owners wish to retire.”

Martin Keitch is the club professional with two assistants. In all 13 full time staff and four part timers will lose their jobs.