Golf club's future 'uncertain' as operator quits

The future of a council-owned golf club will be subject to a "fundamental review" after the company running it gave notice to quit.

New Forest District Council is searching for a "transitional" operator for Dibden Golf Centre, near Southampton in Hampshire, after Mytime Active said it would end its contract in March 2027.

A report to the council's cabinet said it had launched a procurement process for a new three-year operating agreement, which would allow it to assess the site's long-term future.

A council spokesperson said: "The three-year agreement will provide continuity for customers while giving the council flexibility to keep future arrangements for the site under review."

Lib Dem councillor David Harrison said in a Facebook post: "The future of New Forest District Council-owned Dibden Golf Centre is uncertain.

"I really hope that a way can be found to keep things running. It will be a tremendous loss to the local community if not."

The Conservative-led council said the procurement process would be "open to interested providers, including the current operator Mytime Active, should they wish to make a bid".

It said the centre would continue operating as normal throughout the process.

A report to Wednesday's cabinet meeting said 37,000 rounds of golf were played at the nine-hole and 18-hole golf courses in the 2025/26 financial year.

But it suggested changing market conditions meant any future agreement would likely be on "materially different commercial terms to those contained within the current contract".

It added: "It is considered appropriate to undertake a more fundamental review of the facility to determine whether alternative operating arrangements, investment opportunities or future uses could improve participation, community benefit and financial sustainability.

"There is a desire to ensure continuity of the golf centre at least in the short-medium term."

The procurement process will open on 18 November.