Golfers Reject Wimbledon offer

Golfers who refused to give up their club despite mounting pressure from All England Lawn Tennis Club have rejected a “bribe” of £50,000 each to let the world-famous tournament expand on to their grounds.

Wimbledon Park Golf Club was offered £25million to end its lease in five years’ time instead of letting it run until the expiry date in 2041.

The settlement offered meant golfers with at least 10 years’ club membership would have shared the lump sum – giving each a payout of up to £50,000. But a vote among the 800 members of the 117-year-old club resulted in the committee declining the offer, reports the Mail on Sunday.

Golfers who refused to give up their club despite mounting pressure from All England Lawn Tennis Club have rejected a “bribe” of £50,000 each to let the world-famous tournament expand on to their grounds.

“An offer of £25million may sound a lot but we make about £1million a year letting part of our course for car parking during Wimbledon fortnight.

“If we left, the tennis club would get that money instead, so the £25 million won't have cost them a penny.”

An All England Club spokesman said: “We are on good terms with the golf club. They have decided to reject the offer so we'll park it there.”