TIME has been called on a once thriving golf course following plummeting numbers of members.

The 18-hole course at the Channels estate, in Little Waltham, will close next year to make way for weddings and functions.

The revelation came after the company suffered a 20 per cent reduction in membership, a trend it says is UK wide.

Richard Stubbings of the Clifford Group, which has ran Channels for more than 40 years, explained how the company will change direction to survive.

He said: “The closure of the course is sadly due to the decline in membership and high costs involved in maintaining it.

“Unfortunately, the golf industry has seen a significant decline in memberships of more than 20 per cent in recent years and it has badly affected clubs like ours.

“Studies show that changing habits and attitudes have impacted on traditional golf clubs and many golfers now prefer the pay and play model to a membership club.

“The aim is to make our wedding venues more prestigious while integrating our other amenities, especially Channels Bar and Brasserie, into community life.

Events, like farmers markets, crafts and Christmas fairs, beer and music festivals, will also be a point of focus he added.

While the restructuring is carried out, golfers will still be able to use the existing nine-hole golf course and driving range at Little Channels.

The course will be upgraded over the next couple of years, a Channels spokesman said in a statement.

A recent study carried out by England Golf, the amateur game's governing body, revealed club membership in England has dropped by 20 per cent in recent years.

The 15th century complex, open for more than 42 years, will close the course on Friday March 31.