The St Annes Old Links Golf Club in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire has been rocked by a brace of resignations and a welter of accusations about affairs between staff and golfers, a bar room brawl and after hours drinking sessions.

In April of this year Ian Birnie and Jean Cochran were elected vice captains with a brief to organise the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the club next year. Both agreed that there should be a greater openness with regard to the financial dealings at the club.

But four months later, club captain Ted Walker wrote to the members claiming the vice captains had criticised the ruling council, failed to follow democratic procedures and did not turn up for meetings. Outraged the pair resigned.

This follows on foot of allegations made by one frustrated member that there was a punch-up at the club and one of the barmaids had enjoyed an affair with a married member. Birdies on and off the course, whatever next.