THE future of an East Yorkshire golf club lies in the balance after it was put into liquidation by directors.

Allerthorpe Park Golf Club, near Pocklington, has locked its gates and posted a notice on its website saying: “It is with regret that the directors have taken the decision to place the company into liquidation and the course is therefore closed until further notice.”

The business has appointed insolvency practitioners K J Watkin and Co.

Golfers at the club have been left wondering what will happen to the club, having spent hundreds of pounds in annual memberships fees up to July.

It is understood by The Press that poor weather had caused the club temporarily to close a number of holes on the 18-hole course.

The Press has been unable to contact the liquidators or directors.

Allerthorpe Park, which has a teaching academy and pro golf shop, as well as a bar, clubhouse, function room and conference facilities, is run by head professional golfer and coach James Drinkall.

Mr Drinkall, his parents Jan and Paul, and wife Alex, took on the business in 2008 on a long lease from owners, Pocklington businessmen John Atkinson and his son Jonathan.

The Atkinsons developed the club into a nine-hole course in 1994 from agricultural land used to grow barley. It was expanded in 1998 into a 13-hole course and again in 2001 to an 18-hole course.

James Drinkall, who is a qualified professional golfer and coach, was a junior player at Allerthorpe, before joining Malton and Norton Golf Club as a youngster, graduating to appear in York Union matches.

After gaining a sport and exercise science degree at Nottingham Trent University, he became assistant pro under the tutelage of Malton and Norton coach and player Steve Robinson before playing tournament golf.

Phone Julie Hayes on 01904567144 or email julie.hayes@thepress.co.uk if you have been affected.