English golf course closed over suspected WW2 bomb

A highly-rated English golf course temporarily closed on Monday over a World War Two bomb scare.

Stoneham Golf Club near Southampton was evacuated by a bomb squad after a suspicious metal object was brought to the venue in a consignment of soil.

Club chairman James Pearson confirmed that a dumper truck driver had noticed the object in the dirt he had just delivered and immediately raised the concern.

In a text message to stunned members on Monday, the club said the soil had originated from a site which had a “history of bombs landing there during World War Two.”

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The message seen by the Daily Echo read: “These bombs were often released by planes returning from missions to ensure they landed safely.

“The area, now being developed for housing, was evacuated this morning. Unfortunately, one of these bombs was unearthed, encased in soil, and transported by lorry to the golf course.

“Upon arrival, it was spotted by the TJ digger driver while being unloaded. Their quick thinking and immediate action in raising the alarm have been praised by the police.”

It later emerged following a visit from bomb disposal experts that the item was safe – and in fact appeared to be a piece of metal from a tank.

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A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.28pm yesterday, Monday, December 16, to a report of a suspected unexploded ordnance device at Stoneham Golf Course.

“We attended to assist, and our EOD colleagues attended to assess the item, which has been confirmed as safe and is not an unexploded ordnance.”

After this rather surreal episode, it’s now understood that the ever-popular 18-hole heathland/parkland layout at Stoneham is now back open.