A popular Eastern Shore golf course is set to remain open, but it’s long-term future remains uncertain

A short-term lease extension has been recommended for a prominent public golf course on Hobart’s Eastern Shore, but golfers may not be enjoying it for years to come. See why.

A PROMINENT public golf course on Hobart’s Eastern Shore is set to remain open for at least the next 10 months, but its longer-term future remains uncertain.

The Rosny Park Public Golf Course is owned by Clarence City Council and operated by the YMCA, but the lease is due to expire at the end of this month.

A report to councillors ahead of Monday night’s meeting has recommended the council sign a new 10-month lease with YMCA.

It has also recommended council pay YMCA $2500 a month towards the operation of the course, in addition to maintaining the irrigation system.

The report said $50,000 had been included in the 2020-2021 draft budget estimates for the upkeep of the course.

Golfers tee off for between 18,000 and 22,000 rounds each year at the nine-hole course, which sits next to the Eastlands shopping centre.

Golfer Harrison Doyle at the Rosny Park Public Golf Course. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

But the report read the patronage had been steadily declining over the past five years.

The land is subject to consultation under the Clarence City Heart urban planning project.

“Through the City Heart Project, there is an opportunity to consult with the community on the best use of the land, transition the golf course to end of current use and recognise other community use opportunities,’’ the report read.

Earlier this month, Alderman Richard James said he was fearful the course would close and that he was in favour of the council further subsidising the course.

But Cr Tony Mulder disagreed, saying the space could be better used for the benefit of all residents.

The course has been in operation since 1970 and was initially operated by the council, but has been leased to a private operator since 1984.

The YMCA has been operating the course for the past 10 years, with 3.1 full-time equivalent employees engaged.