Two rural based clubs in Leicestershire are looking to buck the current golfing trend by unveiling major changes set to secure their long term futures and bring new golfers to the game.
£2 MILL INVESTMENT FOR FOREST HILL
It is recognised that golf membership has been steadily declining for a decade with an average of 5 clubs closing every year. However, it seems Forest Hill Golf Clubin Leicestershire is bucking that trend with a £2,000,000 investment program and a membership drive to increase the membership by 30% over the next 2 years.
The club was recently acquired by Belgravia Investments Limited and they have already embarked on wide ranging expansions and improvements to the golf course, clubhouse, and 26 bay driving range.
Forest Hill Golf Club was established in 1991 when the natural charm of the area was integrated into the layout of the course which has since matured into an attractive setting, enhanced by intelligent landscaping.
Following the acquisition of the complex by Belgravia Investments Limited earlier this year, a complete refurbishment and extension is planned to make it one of the country’s top golfing venues.
The proposed improvements include:
The Course is to be the main priority as it is the most important part of the complex. The drainage system for the whole course is to be modernised and renewed and brought up to a standard that makes it a 12-month playable golf course. An 18-hole buggy path is to be installed and the greens and bunkers will be manicured to the highest standard.
The layout of the course will be changed so that the first tee is visible from the clubhouse. Experts will continually review the course design to guarantee improvement to make it more desirable and challenging.
The Clubhouse is to be significantly enlarged with the existing bar being redesigned and the lounge transformed by a glazed extension providing additional space for seating and socialising.
The Function Suite is to be enlarged giving a seated capacity for 200 people and will include new toilets and cloakrooms. This will cater for a range of events including weddings, parties, conferences, and club member functions.
Exclusive Members Lounge A first-floor terrace bar is to be constructed exclusively for members and will offer a unique panoramic view of the first tee and both the ninth and eighteenth greens. It will have a spiral staircase giving access to the ground floor patio area and will house the club trophy cabinet and photographs of current and past captains.
The Driving Range will have ball tracking tracer technology which will incorporate revolutionary teaching aids and produce an outstanding golf experience in a social environment. It will be a self-contained entertainment centre equipped with a comfortable lounge, toilets, café, and bar which will provide a great day out for the whole family.
The Kitchen will be redesigned, expanded, and fitted with state-of-the-art catering equipment that will support the ability to service large scale functions, as well as catering for all our golfers’ requirements.
A Restaurant will be incorporated in the new development to attract diners to the venue. This will provide a top class a-la-carte menu and provide quality dining to cater for private parties and business lunches, together with an extensive wine list and fabulous cocktails.
A Luxury Marquee has been erected to provide catering facilities while the clubhouse refurbishment is undertaken. This has a self-contained kitchen and bar and will serve as the clubhouse while the building work is undertaken.
The Golf Retail Store is provided by our established Golf Professional, Martin Brutnall trading as MB Golf Limited. Martin and his team continue to provide an outstanding service to both members and visitors and offer one of the best on-course golf shops in the Midlands. Martin also provides teaching for players of all standards which will be enhanced by the new driving range technology.
The conclusion from all this is that golf is not in decline at Forest Hill, but very much alive and kicking with a very exciting future.
KEN CREATES A NEW DAWN FOR SCRAPTOFT GC
New major golf course submitted to Harborough District Council
November 2019
Houghton on the Hill could see a new 18-hole golf course, with plans now submitted to Harborough District Council.
Parker Strategic Land are working with Scraptoft Golf Club to create a new 18-hole golf course near Houghton on the Hill. The application has been submitted jointly by landowners Parker Strategic Land and Scraptoft Golf Club.
The new course is designed by an ex-Ryder Cup player and will provide a new home for Scraptoft Golf Club. The owners and the club have worked in partnership, alongside the Council and local stakeholders to develop the plans, which include a new club house, 9-hole Academy Course and driving range to encourage new players to take up the game, and existing players to grow and develop.
Scraptoft Golf Club’s existing site at Scraptoft on the edge of Leicester is allocated for new homes and infrastructure in the recently adopted Harborough Local Plan and is subject to a planning application submitted last month.
Colin Griffiths Chairman of Scraptoft Golf Club said:
“At Scraptoft Golf Club we are really excited by the prospect of creating an entirely new high-quality course and academy facility. The new course has been designed by renowned Golf Course designer Ken Moodie with the assistance of ex-Ryder Cup player and TV commentator Ken Brown. The new course will certainly be challenging but one we are sure will provide enjoyment to all our members. The proposals have taken over two years to create and we hope attract new members to this beautiful location each side of the River Sence.”
Adrian Lott, Managing Director of Parker Strategic Land said:
“I am delighted that plans for the new golf club have now been submitted and we have been able to help relocate the Scraptoft Golf Club to this fantastic new site near Houghton on the Hill. The relocation enables much needed new homes, infrastructure and community facilities to be delivered on the existing site and other land alongside, but also allows Scraptoft Golf Club to be financially secure for the future. The two proposals can now be considered together by the district council.”
The application will now be considered by Harborough District Council with a decision expected on the application next summer. To view the submitted application, visit https://www.harborough.gov.uk/view-and-comment-on-planning-applications reference number 19/01850/OUT.
