Wimbledon chiefs close on €73m buyout of golf club

A huge expansion of the Wimbledon tennis championships which would transform the tournament and bring qualifying on-site moved a big step closer yesterday after a local golf club decided all members would benefit equally from a proposed buyout.

Wimbledon Park Golf Club members voted by more than the necessary 75 per cent to amend their constitution. Now all members would benefit from the 65 million pound (€73m) windfall, not just those of more than 10 years standing.