Bermuda's smallest golf course, the par-three lay-out at Horizons has been closed.

Designed by the late George Wardman Sr. in the early 1960s, it has long been considered one of the most popular courses for those attempting to learn the game.

Until recently it was a regular venue for Bermuda Golf Association's Novices programme.

Its closure comes after the Horizons hotel was taken over by the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) in order to house nurses. and other hospital staff. And it's believed that the cost of maintaining the small nine-hole course was the major reason behind its demise.

A BHB spokesperson said yesterday: "A decision has been made, in the interests of safety and fiscal responsibility, to close the golf course prior to occupancy by BHB staff."

Seventy-three year-old Edwin Jackson, professional at the course since 1972 said, yesterday that he still hadn't been told officially of the closure and was working as usual. Having offered lessons for more almost 40 years and organised tournaments, Jackson described the closure as 'tragic'.

"I'm just carrying on as usual," he said. "I know it's no longer open to the public but nobody has told me. I haven't received a letter.

"It's very disappointing. A few years ago Golf Illustrated wrote a piece on Bermuda golf and described it as 'pure poison'."

With many of the holes less than 100 yards long, it was considered a great venue for beginners, but also a challenge for more accomplished golfers.

And it was cheap – a $25 green fee at weekends and $20 during the week. Club membership was also available at $250 per year.

Veteran professional Eardley Jones, who has been using Horizons to teach novice golfers under the Bermuda Junior Golf Association's programme, yesterday expressed his disappointment.

'It's sad," he said.

"I started the novices programme in 1996 and have been using Horizons ever since. It's been the ideal course to teach youngsters. I've had the intermediate level players up there.

'We'll be starting our programme again in September and Horizons will be missed."

Lawyer Luciano Aicardi who has been involved in BHB, Horizons negotiations wasn't available for comment yesterday.