IN A SURPRISE announcement, Raglan Parc Golf Club has been closed down with immediate effect.

A statement published today (November 2) on the club’s website suggested the club had been unable to secure a new lease with the landowners, Raglan Castle Properties Ltd.

“I am personally heartbroken that our golf club, after so many years of hard work by so many of us, will be lost,” wrote club chairman Nigel Price in his statement on the club’s website.

He added: “Every member will receive a letter from our Liquidator in the near future which will explain how the process will work and how claims can be lodged.”

“I will lose a considerable monetary investment, made for what we believed would be the club’s future,” he added.

“My sincere thanks to all those who have helped in the success of the club (and there have been many) and hope you find it in your hearts to forgive us (the board) for the action we have been forced to take.”

One member, who did not want to be named, said the club had 400 members.

The club is popular with male and female golfers, and has players at senior and junior levels. Regular tournaments at the club are well-attended.

Raglan Parc’s resident PGA professional, Chris Murphy, also published a statement on the website.

In it, he said: “It is with great sadness that I send you guys this message, due to the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen the club I have a very limited time to get my business affairs in order.”

Players due to have lessons with Mr Murphy, he said, would have to do so at a golf club in Gloucester from November 7.

The club also published a request for people to collect their golf buggies and personal belongings from the club – highlighting the sudden nature of the closure.

Landowners Raglan Castle Properties were contacted for a comment on the reasons for the club’s closure, but a spokesman said: “We will not be making any statements at this stage.”

There will be limited opportunities for members to make their final arrangements at the club until November 7, with full details published on the club’s website.

“I apologise sincerely once again for this and would like to thank you all for all the support and the friendships over the past 14 years,” Mr Murphy wrote.