These were England’s most flood damaged golf clubs

By Alistair May 22, 2016 03:04 Updated

England Golf has revealed that 15 golf clubs were so badly hit by flood damage this winter that they applied for support from the Emergency Flood Relief Fund – and 13 of them were successful.

All the golf clubs are located in the north of England and they collectively received more than £50,000 of public money.

One club had its application refused and another was deferred for more information.

Abbie Lench, England Golf’s head of club support, said: “We’re pleased that so many clubs were able to access the emergency fund, it has been gratefully received.”

Among the successful clubs was South Moor in Durham (pictured), which was shut for over four weeks after persistent rain flooded the course, damaging the paths and one of the greens where a drainage pipe collapsed. Even when the course re-opened golfers who relied on buggies were unable to play because of the damage to the paths.

The club received £4,926 towards the costs of repairs and Guy Carr, a member of the club’s general committee, remarked: “The grant application was very straightforward, we had a reply within 10 days telling us we would get the money. We couldn’t believe how fast it was, they were fantastic.”

South Moor has become expert at accessing funds – receiving over £100,000 in five years – and it was also able to help two other clubs to make successful applications for flood relief.

South Moor urges other clubs to follow its example, which has brought financial support for a par three course, an Astroturf short game practice area, including an extra putting green, a driving practice area and refurbished changing rooms.

The clubs which successfully applied for emergency flood relief are: