Ring-fence Profits and Reinvest for Southport Golf Future, Say Lib Dems

Liberal Democrat councillors are calling on Sefton Council to ring-fence the net income generated by Southport Municipal Golf Links and reinvest it into the course through a clear 10-year improvement plan. The Municipal is unique in Southport's golf offer as the only publicly run course. It provides an affordable route into golf, particularly for beginners and juniors. 

Cllr Mike Sammon and Cllr Leo Evans met with Green Sefton officers on site last week to review current and planned works. They praised staff for the progress being made and their commitment to the course, but say the financial model now needs to change if Southport Municipal is to reach its full potential.

Cllr Mike Sammonsaid: “The Green Sefton team are working hard with the resources they have. But Southport Municipal is a valued public asset and the income it generates should be ring-fenced for reinvestment in the course itself, after shared staffing and overheads are covered, rather than being absorbed into a wider council budget.”

Cllr Leo Evansadded: “Sefton’s own Cabinet papers confirm that the old system of reinvesting surplus income back into the course ended some years ago. That decision has left the course with ageing infrastructure and drainage problems. We want to see a return to a proper 10-year reinvestment programme, potentially supported by a full-time course manager, so the course can fund its own future. With the Open in Birkdale this summer, this is a real opportunity to capture the imagination of many young potential golfers.”

Sefton Council’s own Cabinet report confirms that Southport Municipal Golf Links previously had a 10-year reinvestment programme funded from surplus income, which was ended some years ago. Southport Liberal Democrats say that model should now be restored so the course can fund its own future.

With Southport set to welcome large numbers of visiting golfers for this year’s Open, the Liberal Democrats say now is the right time to ensure the course is properly funded and presented as one of the town’s flagship sporting assets.