Hastings Council are selling Beauport Park for an undisclosed sum.

The deal is expected to be completed in two to three months.

The purchasers from the private sector, and as yet unnamed, will continue with the current policy of the asset as a pay-and-play course.

The 300 club members are in the dark, although representatives attended a meeting this week with the prospective owners.

Mike Marsh, head of the council's leisure and amenities service, confirmed that the sale is near completion.

"The council's cabinet meeting agreed to dispose of its interests in Beauport Park. The council put in a considerable subsidy each year and the course is not regarded as best value to the authority.

"One reason is competition from the surrounding area."

I understand that the council does not consider golf as being among the top ten sports that need funding.

Members scoff at any idea that the course is a loss-maker in terms of business and green fees. The council's action is seen as a cost-cutting measure.

Another local view is that if a buggy path was built then the undulating course would do a roaring trade.

As to the identity of the purchasers, Mr Marsh would not be drawn, but confirmed that American Golf (UK) were not involved. Nor was a Japanese company about to take over.

Hastings used to have two courses, but these did not survive the post-war years.

Since 1973, the wooded area on the northern outskirts on the A2130 to Battle has posed a stern test.

As municipal courses go, Beauport Park is a good deal more difficult than most. The council showed enterprise in 1968 when taking the opportunity of leasing 120 acres of the Beauport Park estate for the construction of a course.

It has suffered from drainage difficulties, but that has not detracted from the scenic beauty which has made Beauport Park popular with locals and societies in increasing numbers.

l STEVE Fenn of Ifield trimmed Sedlescombe to 69 strokes to win the club pro-am and improve his standing in the SPGU Mastercolour League.

Unattached Marcus Groombridge led in the winning team on 20 under-par.