Golf courses go on market

Two popular golf courses, with more than 1,000 members between them, have been put up for sale, the Express & Star can reveal today.

Perton Park and Swindon Golf Clubs, which are believed to be on the market for about £3.5million, are both owned by Sue Allen, who has decided to retire from the golfing world.

Perton members said they were shocked by the news and keen on forming a consortium to buy the club in Wrottesley Park Road themselves.

Brian Clifford, of Penn Road, Wolverhampton, joined Perton when it was formed in 1990.

The 73-year-old, who is golf secretary at the site, said: "The general reaction from people is one of surprise; this has come out of the blue.

"Both courses are on green belt land, so I think they will have to continue as golf clubs, and I've heard rumours that there have been a few nibbles at the bait.

"I just hope whoever takes over makes sure it runs as it does now.

"A number of people have approached me about forming a consortium and buying Perton.

"But, from what I've heard, the owner is not prepared to split the two sites."

Perton has 600 members, and Swindon, in Bridgnorth Road, Dudley, 500.

Simon Edwin, general manager at both clubs, was unavailable for comment.

David Billson, councillor for Perton East, said the community was surprised by the decision.

He said: "This is the first I've heard about it, and I'm very shocked.

"I do hope they remain as golf clubs, whoever the new owner is.

"It would be a tragedy for the people of Perton to lose the club, as it's so popular.

"We are in dire need of leisure facilities in the village, so to lose it would be awful, especially for the young people."

Swindon was founded in 1974 and bought by Charles Cooper, Mrs Allen's father, in 1986. Last year, its clubhouse underwent a £250,000 revamp.

Both courses are 18 holes; the green fee for a full round at Swindon is £32 and at Perton £25.