Poor upkeep at Meole Brace Golf Club is a handicap

Even the superstars of the golfing world would struggle to get around this Shropshire golf course with its leaf-strewn fairways, its sand-less bunkers, its litter problems and its greens plagued by divots.

The poor upkeep of the Meole Brace Golf Club, in Shrewsbury, has proved something of a real handicap for the area's golfers who have now set up a comical Facebook group in order to vent their frustration.

A photo album attached to the 'Annoyed with the goings-on at Meole Brace Golf Course' group shows golfers lining up to race across greens, which resemble Olympic-style tracks with long, deep rivets.

Further images show smatterings of rubbish, patchy tees, tree branches on fairways and more leaves in the bunkers than sand.

Regular player Ian Pritchard, from Meole Brace, said upkeep of the Shropshire Council owned course had got progressively worse in the last two years.

He said: "I play about three times a week and the standard of the course has gone rapidly downhill. It is virtually unplayable.

"People pay to play but the cost has gone up from £9 to £11. I can remember having to book a tee time but now I just turn up because no-one is ever there. I also run a golf league and usually at this time of year more than 100 cards have been handed in, but this year I have only received 20.

Ian, who is a train planner for Network Rail, has been playing golf regularly at the course for almost 10 years.

He believes poor upkeep may have a more sinister explanation. He added: "There is a serious side to this and think this is being done on purpose to suit the council. A drop in users is what they want to sell the course and if there is no demand they might not have to build another course."

Gareth Proffitt, Shropshire Council spokesman, confirmed the golf course was being considered for residential and commercial development. Consultation for this ends on June 25.

To see plans and for details ring 0345 678 9016 or log on at www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning.nsf