Golf club which straddles Wales and England’s border told to close under Welsh rules

Police were called to a golf club that straddles the Welsh-English border after Powys County Council ordered it to be closed down.

Golf clubs in Wales have shut down under Level 4 guidance, while golf courses in England are allowed to remain open for play but only for two-balls or individual households and bubbles.

Half of Llanymynech Golf Club’s holes are in Shropshire, with the other half in Wales.

Club officials said officers were only there to assist and were not there to enforce the closure of the club.

The golf club had been allowed to remain open in December 2020 as it was deemed to be operating under England restrictions rather than Welsh ones. It does, however, pay its rates to Powys County Council as so it must abide to the council’s decision.

Sian Whiteoak, club secretary, told the Shropshire Star: “Powys County Council have asked us to close for the time being. The police came in a supporting capacity. We’re still in discussion with everybody.

“Our governing body for golf is in England. Our club house has been closed since October. It’s one of those confusing situations because we are half and half.”

There will be another discussion about whether the club can stay open this week.