Hill Barn members, whose numbers are presently reduced to around only 130, are not down in the dumps at the pending sale of the course.

By early next year, if not before, Worthing Borough Council should have found a buyer.

Hill Barn and the Brooklands Par Three course on the seafront, are on the market for £2.35m.

There has been strong interest from national and local companies including the expanding Leisure Links International but it is believed no decision has been reached as to the new owners.

Malcolm Pettit, the golf club secretary, has heard all sorts of rumours including a possible interest that could involve a tie-up with the privately run facility at Rustington.

He said: "As to the advantages and disadvantages of private ownership, my members can see it both ways.

"One major disadvantage would be if the new owners don't want an established club like ourselves in residence. Then a lot of us would be homeless.

"I think the members at present are cautious veering towards the optimistic. When the new company takes over they will need to spend a lot of money on improvements.

"Then they must be patient and wait for the profits. Undoubtedly there would be profits for it is still a very good golf course.

"What I cannot understand is the council saying they cannot afford to maintain it. Once, when the membership was over 600, it used to make a six-figure profit each year.

"But all credit to the council, they have done something about the state of the course. At least the greens are better now.

"In March this year membership was down to 40-odd as people left in droves because the course was in such poor condition."

Hywel Griffiths, director of community services, says the sales are for the long-term good of the courses.

Mr Griffiths said: "We are selling Hill Barn because it is in need of investment and the council is not in a position where it can afford that kind of money."