Under threat Burnley golf club is saved

A Lancashire golf club that was in serious risk of closing down has had its future secured at the 11^th hour, according to reports.

The Burnley Express has reported that Marsden Park Golf Club, which is run by Pendle Leisure Trust, has been under threat twice in the last year due to a reduction in funding, but now a professional golfer has taken over the venue’s management.

“Neil Reeves is taking over the operation of Marsden Park GC,” states the paper.

“Although the course will remain part of Pendle Leisure Trust’s portfolio, Neil, in partnership with Pendle Leisure Trust, will take control of the management and up-keep of the course and the clubhouse with some exciting changes and additions planned.

Marsden Park Golf Club

“The course was under threat last year due to the reduction in government funding to Pendle Council and consequently to Pendle Leisure Trust. But it was saved at the 11th hour. It was under the same threat again this year, so Neil has stepped in and saved it from potential closure. Neil is excited at the prospect of sustaining and developing the facilities for the people of Pendle.”

Reeves, a highly experienced PGA coach who has worked with the likes of John Jacobs, David Leadbetter and Dennis Pugh, said: “It is a great honour and a privilege to be given the chance to keep the game of golf in the community.

“Marsden Park is a great course to play and is at a standard to match some of the top ranking courses in the county, with wonderful, breath-taking views.

“It is open to everyone and I want to bring some new life to it. I want to build up the social side and already have plans to host events and introduce new competitions as well as numerous open events for men, ladies, seniors and juniors.

“The clubhouse will be open when the course is open, midweek as well as weekends, in a bid to re-awaken the social side and offer visitors all the facilities they want, as well as for non-golfers and the local community to use for private functions.”

Alison Goode, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, added: “This is a positive step to make sure the course – and the game of golf – is kept alive for the people of Pendle and we will support him in every way we can to make sure it is a success.”

Reeves only joined the club as head professional last year, but since then has set up a golf academy and introduced an indoor swing studio.