THE American Golf store in Worcester has closed as part of a deal to save the golf retailer from collapse.

The brand, Europe's largest golf retailer, was put into administration on Friday and then immediately sold to buyout investor Endless.

As part of the deal, organised by Deloitte, 112 of the chain's 132 stores in the UK and Ireland will remain open.

However, Worcester's store in Lowesmoor Place was among a list of 20 American Golf stores set to close as part of the deal.

Yesterday, the shop was shut with signs up saying it had closed.

Queries about orders were directed to the store's Droitwich outlet at Gaudet Luce Golf and Leisure complex.

It is not known how many local jobs will be lost but at the time of appointment American Golf employed over 1,000 people nationally. The deal is set to protect at least 900 jobs.

Tom Jack, a partner at Endless, said: "American Golf holds a unique position as the UK's golf market leader and has been providing specialist expertise to its loyal customer base for over 45 years.

"We believe this is a business with fantastic potential and we're delighted to be able to protect the employment of over 900 employees as a result of this acquisition."

The business will honour valid gift cards and outstanding customer orders.

"I am delighted that the sale of the business which we have completed today has safeguarded over 900 jobs," said joint administrator Dan Smith. "We appreciate the support of management and all employees in achieving this aim and wish them well for the future."

The acquisition adds to Endless's portfolio of rescued businesses including jeweller Theo Fennell and shoe retailer Jones Bootmaker, which was later sold to Pavers.