Courses under threat from new law

Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake- venue for this year's Open with it's coastal boundaries

Golf courses could be under threat from members of the public wandering on their land and in danger from flying golf balls, under new government legislation.

New proposals could mean that public access is granted to all golf courses in England of Wales, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) looking at ways to extend the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 from merely coastal areas.

The National Golf Clubs' Advisory Association(NGCAA), which represents 1200 clubs in the UK, is concerned that 'excepted land' used for a specified purpose such as golf courses and race courses may not in future be exempt from the Act.

Michael Shaw

"Although it appears that only clubs which have at least one of their boundaries surrounded by the coast are under threat, it's possible that there could be a change to existing exemptions, meaning all golf clubs will be included.

"Clearly, the right to roam on all courses will have immense health and safety and cost implications for golf clubs. It's vital that clubs join forces to raise awareness of the issue and I urge them to contact their DEFRA or CCW office, their MP or the Minister, Jim Knight, and to participate fully in the consultation process."

Meanwhile, the NGCAA has also been lobbying the Government over what it describes as 'unfair' treatment of golf clubs under the new licensing laws that come into effect on November 24.

At the instigation of single figure golfer and NGCAA president Tim Yeo MP, James Purnell MP, the Licensing Minister, invited Michael Shaw, to voice his members' key concerns on the Licensing Act 2003, which included:

*Why are efficient golf clubs being penalised for early application of the new licence? (It would be fairer if clubs were able to renew their licence on November 24 each year - not twelve months after the date they applied)

*Why should fees be charged based upon the square footage of a club which includes the size of the actual course? (Why should golf clubs subsidise smaller, but more profitable, commercial city centre pubs and clubs?)

*Why should Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) get special treatment? (It's not practical for all golf clubs to convert to CASC status and they should not be prejudiced for not doing so.)

Commented Mr Shaw: "Our opinions and advice offered to the Minister were constructive and candid and we are looking forward to future developments on the matter.

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