HEATON Park Golf Course is to reopen after its long term future had looked to be in doubt.

The historic 18-hole course, along with is pitch and putt course and clubhouse was forced to shut for the second time in just over a year, four months ago.

However a new operator has now been found ­— PGA golf professional and director of golf, Andrew Terry, and his business partner and finance director, Joe Jackson.

The pair also currently manage nearby Marland Golf Course in Rochdale.

Mr Terry, who has worked in the golf industry for 20 years, said: "We are delighted to announce that the course will reopen this Friday. 

"We'd like to thank Manchester City Council for their support throughout this process and are looking forward to working with them to provide affordable golf for everyone."  

The take over comes after Heaton Park Golf Course was forced to close last October when interim operators Green Circles' management arrangement came to an end.

This came just 12 months after the collapse of its previous owner, Mack Trading.

An unsuccessful tendering process had taken place took but no potential permanent operators were found who would be able to run the site without needing a subsidy from Manchester City Council.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council executive member for skills, culture and leisure, said: "I'd like to offer Mr Terry and Mr Jackson a warm welcome to Heaton Park Golf and I am pleased they will be bringing their expertise to Heaton Park, ensuring that the course continues to make golf accessible to as wide a range of people as possible.  

"They share our aims for a family-friendly, welcoming facility which will be a sustainable part of the park for generations to come."

Following the recent closure the course has been maintained by greenkeepers through the winter to ensure it is prepared to reopen to the public.

The cafe in the golf pavillion remains open for all Heaton Park users and plans are in place to open a new cafe hut on the pitch and putt course to provide drinks and snacks.

In a statement on social media, Heaton Park & Hall said: "Over the last few months work has been undertaken to keep the greens at their usual standard and we are extremely grateful for the staff who have been involved.

"It’s an exciting new chapter and we can’t wait to welcome previous and new golfers to the course."

The course in Middleton Road, Prestwich, will reopen on February 14.