The owners of the Belmont Hotel and Golf Club yesterday confirmed they were planning a massive overhaul of their 18-hole course - but would not say whether staff would lose their jobs.

In a press statement, general manager of the property, Gordon Slatford, said grounds crew would be kept on after the club closed on January 7, but made no mention of the other staff who work at the Warwick club.

The Royal Gazette learned on Thursday that staff at the club had been told that plans were in hand to close the course down and totally re-design it, and understands that some workers were told that their jobs would go.

Staff at the club have refused to comment, with insiders claiming that the management wanted nothing said of the proposal until members had been informed.

It is believed that some members of staff were told that they would lose their jobs once the course closed, but could reapply for them when it re-opened.

Mr. Slatford said an application to revamp the golf course had already been submitted to the Department of Planning for the changes. The re-design will include a recontouring of fairways, new greens planted with the latest Tifton Eagle Bermuda grass, and a significant water feature to compliment a series of new holes on the front nine.

And he said the extent of the work will mean that the course will be closed for 12 to 15 months from early January.

Mr. Slatford said owner Richard Halsey will be submitting plans for a new clubhouse, as well as new residential and hotel facilities as part of the overall redevelopment plan for the site.

He said: "Closure of the course for any period of time will no doubt inconvenience our patrons, but it is absolutely necessary to enable the extensive works to be completed.

"As far as our grounds crew are concerned, they will continue to be fully employed throughout the reconstruction phase.

"Following such a long period of uncertainty over Belmont's future, I am delighted the new owners are showing commitment to the long term future of the course and I am convinced this will provide a challenge and delight to golfers both locally and internationally."