Walkers enjoying a stroll across Hollingbury Golf Course are being urged to stick to the designated footpaths as work progresses to re-open the course.
Popular location
Over recent months, the course has been a popular location for residents enjoying their daily exercise.
However, as plans to re-open the course progress, following the grant of the lease earlier this year to The Circle, with the golf managed by The Circle Golf, residents are being reminded of the dangers of walking on and crossing the golf course.
Straying is dangerous
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee, said: “Over the last few weeks we have been concerned to hear that walkers and runners are leaving the footpaths and straying further onto the course and greens.
“We’d like to remind them that Hollingbury Golf Course is not a public park and that it’s really important to stay on the footpaths.
“Although golf is not currently being played it soon will be, and straying from the paths will become extremely dangerous.”
Stay safe
The footpaths, which are clearly marked, include permissive paths that have been put in place by the council’s Rights of Way officer, working with the golf course and local volunteer groups.
The paths run across areas of the course where there is clear visibility to help keep both the public and golfers safe.
Councillor Robins added: “When you consider that a golf ball can travel at over 100mph, it’s really important that walkers, runners and their dogs keep to the paths and stay as safe as possible.
“If people can get into good habits now, we can avoid accidents once the course reopens.”
Investment is welcome
Councillor Robins added that the new leaseholders are currently carrying out work to enable them to re-open the golf course in line with government guidelines.
He said: “We are delighted that the new leaseholder has taken on this popular course. The proposed investment to improve the site and golf offer and enhance conservation is really welcomed.”
Walkers are also reminded that once the course re-opens, the golf course car park will be restricted to use by golfers and visitors to the club house during opening hours and will be managed by the new leaseholders.
