Falling membership puts Northop Golf Club in the rough

THE company that owned Northop Golf Course near Chester has gone into administration after a decline in membership at the club.

KPMG in Manchester was appointed to Chester-based Maray Properties, which is owned by Darren Norman, on November 28.

Mr Norman has re-acquired the golf course through another business, Chester-based Baling Wire Products, while the clubhouse has been bought by pub company Woodward & Falconer, based in Mouldsworth, near Chester.

Joint administrator Paul Dumbell said: “Following a significant decline in membership fees at Northop Golf and Country Club, the business ran into significant cash flow problems.
 
“We are delighted to have completed these two deals which have secured the jobs of all members of staff at the Club, and which ensure operations continue for the 250 golf club members and the 280 people with gym memberships at the club.”
 
Mr Norman originally bought the golf course, which is situated across the border in Flintshire, in 2006 after selling a majority stake in his bailing wire business Associated Wire Products.