In 2014, Liverpool City Council was subsidising every game of golf played at Allerton Manor Golf Club by £5 a round.
Since then it has established a partnership with specialist golf course operator GreenCircle Estates Ltd and now, after a programme of improvements, the popular municipal South Liverpool course is making money for the local authority.
GreenCircle director Mike Hanlon said:
“When Mayor Anderson invited us to work with him and the City Council to improve the golf and leisure options at Allerton Manor we knew the course had massive potential.
“The setting with mature trees lining the fairways only five miles from the city centre provided a great opportunity.
“Allerton Manor is the only municipal course in the city, so our objective was to create a public access golf club with private club standards, both on and off the course. We want to make Allerton Manor attractive to beginners and recreational golfers but also sufficiently challenging for competitions and golf society events.
“We have invested in the course, improving the tees, fairways and greens through better course maintenance – and we now host about 50,000 rounds of golf here each year.”
And in addition to the on-course improvements, a new clubhouse, bar and restaurant will open this weekend, extending a warm welcome to the public, whether they are golfers or not. The refurbishment of the Old Stables has now created a 68 cover restaurant, a casual bar and terrace, new golf shop and first class changing facilities and locker room. The refurbishment was completed by local building firm Camel Property Services and supported 40 construction jobs including 3 apprenticeships. [pictured]
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said:
“Contrary to stereotypes, golf is a democratic game on Merseyside, increasingly popular with male and female players of all ages from all communities across the city.” said Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson.
“When we created this partnership at Allerton Manor Golf Club, it was to protect and enhance a green asset in South Liverpool, provide an improved facility for local golfers and return the course to a sustainable and profitable operation contributing to, rather than drawing on, the city’s budget.
“The management team have had tremendous success so far, and have ambitious plans to further improve the offer – such as lengthening the course to a par 72 so it qualifies for PGA competition status. I was delighted to open the new clubhouse facilities which rival many of the more established private golf clubs in the region.”
Mike Hanlon added:
“We are grateful for the Mayor’s ongoing support and are confident our partnership with the City Council will deliver significant improvements to the city’s only public access golf course and continue to generate jobs and apprenticeships for local people.”