Rushmoor Borough Council has appointed Mack Trading Amenity Management to operate Southwood Golf Course, the Council's 18-hole public pay and play facility in Farnborough.

The decision came after the council decided not to renew its current four-year contract with DC Leisure Management - which ended on the 31 March - and put the contract out to tender.

Three companies were shortlisted and Mack was chosen and appointed to nine-year contract with options to negotiate a longer term contract.

Councillor Peter Moyle, leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said: "Although there has been a decline in recent years in the popularity of golf, the Council has secured a good financial deal and will be working with a company that has an excellent track record in managing public golf courses.

"I was particularly impressed by Mack Trading's development of junior golf with their First Tee programme, which develops a range of lifelong learning values to build character in young people through the game of golf."