Ian Naylor and David Strachan, the two professionals at East Sussex National, have been made redundant.

The first casualty was chief executive Wyndham Heyring when the blue chip club changed hands ten months ago.

Phil Lewin, director of golf, left by mutual agreement with the new owners within a matter of days.

Now the consortium has taken a step that cannot come as a great surprise to members.

Agreement The move is not connected to the fact that ESN has been closed for two months because of flooding but directly to a previous agreement giving teaching rights to the David Leadbetter Academy.

Peter Button, ESN chairman, said: "Unfortunately, we have had to make the two professionals redundant as they were not permitted to teach at the club because of a franchise agreement granted to Golf Projects Ltd by the David Leadbetter organisation.

"When we acquired the club in March of this year we had to abide by the agreement which was entered into by the previous owners. Discussions have taken place with Golf Projects to see whether it was possible for Golf Projects to vacate.

"Unfortunately, it has not been possible to obtain vacant possession of the golf range and therefore the two professionals at the club have been made redundant so that they can have an opportunity to further their respective careers. When the agreement with Golf Projects expires in 18 months time the club will again employ professionals."