Andrew 'Beef' Johnston has expressed his sorrow at the impending closure of a public golf course in Hounslow where he played as a child.
The golf star, who leapt to fame with his eighth-place finish at this year's Open Championship, tweeted after reading on getwestlondon how Hounslow Heath Golf Centre is set to close this September.
"It's a shame man. Played there as a kid a couple times," tweeted the world number 89, whose luxuriant beard makes him one of the sport's most instantly recognisable stars.
Mr Johnston lives in Friern Barnet in north London and is a member of North Middlesex Golf Club.
Round at Hounslow Heath Golf Centre costs £10
A full round at Hounslow Heath Golf Centre costs just £10 for adults, which is one of the cheapest rates available at any golf course.
By comparison, a round at Wyke Green Golf Club in Osterley costs £30 for visitors during the week and £40 at weekends.
Hounslow Council , which owns the course in Staines Road, Hounslow, says it will close once the contract with the operator ends.
The council has not given a date for the closure, but getwestlondon understands staff have been told it will shut for good at the end of September.
Sources close to the club say there are plans to use part of the land as a travellers site, though the council says there are no "current agreed plans" for such a use.
The council has said the course is underused and was costing it £120,000 a year.
Plans for a theme park, zoo and driving range on the land were rejected by councillors earlier this year following public opposition.
