Retailer Direct Golf is on the brink of collapse and needs an urgent injection of cash, its founder John Andrew has revealed.

The Milnsbridge-based firm filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators and desperately needs new investment to stay in business.

The company is at the centre of an extraordinary tug-of-war between Mr Andrew and billionaire retail magnate Mike Ashley, whose Sports Direct giant owns a 25% stake in the business.

Mr Andrew, working with advisors from accountancy firm Begbies Traynor in Leeds, said filing the notice gave protection from creditors wile the company sought a way forward.

“I am prepared to invest in the business by putting up personal security of £1.8 million and we have a letter of support from Sports Direct but nothing else,” said Mr Andrew.

“Now it’s put up or shut up time.”

Mr Andrew claims Sports Direct sent in officials to change the locks on the company’s HQ in Bankwell Road on Friday.

Direct Golf UK, Milnsbridge
Direct Golf UK, Milnsbridge

He had them changed back and put in his own security guard.

Mr Andrew added: “We are trying to save the company with investment. We need a cash investment to keep it going.

“The whole thing is a farce. Sports Direct are pledging support but have not given us an offer of some cash.”

Mr Andrew couldn’t say how much money the company needed or how long it had left without investment.

The company continues to trade but time is running out, he said.

“This is a plea to Sports Direct. I want to save this business. All the creditors are screaming for money.

“The business cannot trade if we have no money to pay anybody.”

Some of the 40 HQ employees staged a protest outside the premises this morning urging Sports Direct to come up with money and end the uncertainty.

John Andrew, founder of Direct Golf

“It was a plea rather than a protest,” said Mr Andrew. “Sports Direct must pledge more than just its support.”

Direct Golf was set up by golf professional Mr Andrew in 1991. The firm employs 180 staff and has 20 stores including one in Leeds Road, Huddersfield.

It is the UK’s second biggest golf retailer.