Consultation launched on future of Anglesey golf course after drop in player numbers

A consultation has been launched on the future of a golf course on Anglesey after a drop in player numbers.

Anglesey Council wants to sell off around 40 acres of land at Llangefni Golf Course along with the former greenkeeper’s house to market it for use as an agricultural smallholding.

The course was making losses of £28,000 per year when it was run by the council – a figure it described as “unsustainable”.

The Llangefni Social Enterprise operated the facility on the authority’s behalf between 2015 and 2018, but also came to the conclusion it was too much of a financial burden.

While the council now intends to sell the course, it said the driving range, practice areas and shop would remain as a golfing facility and be open for the public to continue to use.

Documents accompanying the consultation state: “The county council has successfully secured the immediate future of the driving range and practice area and a PGA professional is now a tenant managing and operating the driving range facility.

“This aspect has been welcomed by a number of the driving range users.

“If having considered representations made pursuant to this process, the county councils decides to proceed with the decision to dispose then the former golf course land (circa 41.6 acres) along with the greenkeepers former house (Ffridd) will be advertised for sale on the open market as a small-holding.

“Any capital funding secured will be ring-fenced and invested in our existing leisure facilities.”

It continues: “Developing multi-sport facilities is the priority for the county council as this ensures year round use, offers the best value for money and can help improve the health and well-being of all members of our communities by offering multiple choices.

“This is also consistent with the county council’s objectives set out in its local well-being plan and our leisure strategy.”

Last year saw the council’s executive support a proposal to sell the former authority-owned course

Opened in 1983 by the then Ynys Môn Borough Council to provide a low cost “pay and play” facility for beginner and intermediate level golfers, Llangefni Golf Course was frequented by Danny Willett as he holidayed on Anglesey as a child, before going on to win the 2016 US Masters tournament.

Feedback on the proposals is being invited until the end of this month. More information can be found here.