GOLFERS trying to save their club from being sold off to a farmer have built a war chest of hundreds of thousands of pounds to mount a counter bid.

They are hoping the owners of Taunton Vale Golf Club, in Creech Heathfield, will scrap plans to sell to a buyer who wants to rip up the fairways, driving range and clubhouse to return the site to farmland.

Businessman Chris Pratt is drawing up a business plan and is confident more pledges will come forward to support the proposed members’ buyout.

Around 400 people attended a meeting at the club on Monday, when supporters promised to put up between £20 and £10,000 each for a share in the club.

Former club captain John Paterson, who chaired the meeting, said the £1.8million sale to the farmer is “by no means a done deal”.

He added: “We were all shocked by the sudden sale announcement, but since then members, friends and potential investors have rallied and the campaign to formulate a bid is rapidly gaining momentum.

“We need everyone and anyone interested in saving the club to contact us now and pledge.

“That pledge could be financial or volunteering their skills, their time or business knowledge and acumen.

“We’re confident that we can capture and convert the enthusiasm into pledges and then investment, and that we’ll have a thriving club for years to come.”

Mr Paterson said that the owners say that although the club has been sold subject to contract, they would like to see it remain as a golf facility and support the buyout.

He added: “We’re working to a very tight timescale, but there’s still time to save the club as the contract hasn’t been signed yet.”