MEMBERS of a golf club under threat of closure have pinned their hopes on a mystery businessman.

An attempt to put up a members buyout package for Taunton Vale Golf Club, at Creech Heathfield, appears to have landed in the bunker – even though it raised a kitty of over £350,000, leaders were unable to secure “reasonable finance”.

But they are hoping the anonymous businessman will at least match the £1.8million accepted by the current owners to return the course to farmland.

Former club captain John Paterson said: “We’re waiting for a statement from the club.

“Until then members and staff are in limbo.

“The members’ buyout would have been possible with more time, but we had problems getting reasonable finance at a good rate.”

Mr Paterson said several members had joined other clubs “to ensure they have somewhere to play golf”, even though their membership at TVGC does not expire until March.

He added: “We haven’t given up on keeping the club yet, but it’s hard work.”