St Albans Council Spending £172k Redesigning Golf Course Hole

They are fixing the ninth hole at Batchwood Golf Course. A full membership there costs almost £800 each year, and people have complained about that hole recently. The council says its layout is now a safety hazard, affecting nearby residents and the public.

New tee areas have already been built with updates to the green, approach zone, and bunker. Workers completed the groundwork and installed new systems that handle drainage and irrigation. New topsoil and seeding are still coming later.

Grassplant Ltd won the contract to rebuild the hole for £106,718. Budget documents reveal the total cost to the council is £172,000.

Back in 2021, redesigns had reportedly occurred twice within six years to prevent stray balls from reaching nearby houses. These changes included planting trees, moving tees, and adding metal fences.

Chris Traill, who directs community and place strategies for the council, spoke about the project’s expenses. She says that the council didn’t decide lightly, and safety needs pushed them to take community advice.

Traill also said the project will reroute golf play, keeping balls away from houses. This measure safeguards the public and local homes.

Councillor Matt Cowley, who leads the council’s Conservative group, is critical of the spending. He feels taxpayers’ money is being wasted, suggesting cuts to public services are more important now. He concludes that residents deserve answers from the council.