A POPULAR Isle of Wight golf course will closed its doors for the final time later this year. 

UPDATE: The Isle of Wight Council says it is looking at options to re-advertise or manage the golf course in-house. 

Browns Golf Course, off Yaverland Road, will no longer be open for business come April. 

The news comes after it's current custodians were unable to reach an agreement with the Isle of Wight Council over a new lease. 

"We'd like to inform all our friends and customers that with great sadness, we will not be opening the golf courses and cafe for a further season," said former leasholders, Geoff and Kate Scandrett.

"Our 18-month lease with the Isle of Wight Council expired in October of last year, and we're sorry to say we've been unable to agree a new one which gives us confidence we would be able to invest all that is needed in Browns and return a reasonable business profit over the term on offer. 

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"The current economic climate and difficult financial factors, including rising energy costs, were also part of our decision. 

"We've given notice to the council that we will be leaving Browns in April. 

"We're gutted about the decision we've had to make and it's hard to admit defeat.

"We've felt privileged to be the custodians of Browns for the last two years.

"May we thank all our customers who welcomed us and have been so supportive. 

"We've made many friends, and hope a new business will be able to pick up the baton to ensure Browns remains a big part of Sandown's story, as it has been for so long."

Kate and Geoff Scandrett, of Shanklin, picked up the keys to Browns back in April, 2021. 

The lease to the attraction had been advertised by the council, but without detail about how long it would last.

The County Press has approached the local authority for a statement.