8:37am Tuesday 17th June 2008
By Jon Reeve
THE future of a Hampshire golf course could be in jeopardy if councillors agree to examine whether the land could be put to better use.
Eastleigh's Fleming Park Golf Course was once home to a prestigious professional women's tournament, but has since fallen on hard times.
Last August, the Daily Echo reported that golfers were turning their back on the course because of the declining state of the greens and fairways, vandalism and antisocial behaviour from youths.
In May, bosses from DC Leisure, which has run the course since 2000, met with Eastleigh Borough Council officials and councillors to discuss their "deep concern at escalating financial losses".
The number of rounds played on the golf course has fallen from 67,000 per year in 1993 to just 28,000.
Despite extensive investment, including the building of a new clubhouse, DC Leisure lost £120,000 on the golf facilities in 2007/8.
Council officers are now recommending a consultation of Fleming Park users and nearby residents is launched, asking about what services should be provided.
Members of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee are due to vote on the plans tonight, to the shock and disgust of golfers.
Fleming Park Golf Club president Alan Wheavil said the proposals have "completely come out of the blue".
He plans to argue the case for keeping the course at tonight's meeting, and during any public survey.
"I'm dismayed, especially as I had no idea they were even considering this, but I'm hoping we get a proper consultation on it," said Mr Wheavil, who has been playing the course since it opened in 1973.
But council leader, Keith House said the 112-acre Fleming Park is a "vital green lung" in the borough's built up area.
He said ideas include informal recreation, with space for walking, cycling and picnics, as well as adventure play zones for youngsters.
"We will need to look at the golf course, which covers a very large area of Fleming Park, but used by a relative minority of the borough's residents,"
he said.
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