Supporters of a municipal golf course threatened with closure have vowed to continue their fight to save it.
Golfers at the 18-hole course in Western Park, Leicester, were rocked by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby's proposal, announced on Monday, that it should shut.
The mayor said the city council can no longer afford to pay £186,000 each year to subsidise both of the city's municipal courses.
The city council's proposal, which is the subject of a new three-month consultation, is to close Western Park – but retain, and invest, in Humberstone Heights.
Members of Western Park Golf Club's committee held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the way forward.
Hugh Linden, who also runs the bar, said: "Everyone involved with the club is devastated. This club has been here for over 100 years and people don't want to lose it."
An emergency general meeting for all 253 members is being now being arranged.
Mr Linden said: "We can't give up while there is still a chance, however slight."
If the proposal stands, Western Park will close in October next year.
Mr Linden said: "We've had several potential investors show an interest, if we could lease it from the council.
"Sir Peter said that, if it goes, most of the site would remain green space. So why not let us run a smaller, 9-hole course?"
Golfer Nick Pridden, 47, of Newfoundpool, said: "If the mayor has made up his mind then why this consultation? The course could quite easily be run as a community not-for-profit project.
"Money could then be invested back into the club, and we could rent out parts of the site for other sports."
More than 2,500 people handed a petition to Leicester West MP Liz Kendall in April, calling for the club to stay open.
She said: "Monday's announcement came as a big blow. What's important now is that my constituents are listened to during the council's latest consultation. "
Sir Peter said investing in the Humberstone course, which has a 20 per cent higher membership, was a better option.
But he did offer Western Park a glimmer of hope, saying: "It's up to the people of Western Park to persuade me I've made the wrong choice."
At Humberstone Heights members are not quite ready to celebrate.
Club professional Jamie Anderson said: "What's been said is obviously positive for us, but there is still a consultation period to go through again.
"If Western Park closes it will be a great shame, but at least there will still be a municipal course in Leicester. A year ago, we faced losing both."
The council had considered closing both courses to save money from its £2.9 million sport and leisure budget.
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who received a petition signed by over 3,000 people supporting Humberstone Heights this year, said: "I am delighted that the council has put the interest of the local community first."
To take part in the consultation, visit:
http://consultations.leicester.gov.uk
