Golf clubs are closed at the moment, but behind the scenes an exciting project is underway at one of Berkshire's historic venues to attract golfers from both sexes.
By Michael Weston
If you were to create a new golf club from scratch, what would it offer? More flexible membership, perhaps; more inclusive social events, better practice facilities… You hear more about clubs closing these days than new ones opening. However, an exciting project is underway at one of Berkshire's most historic venues, with the aim of attracting younger golfers from both sexes to a club which, for nearly 100 years, only admitted female members.
The new co-owners of Sunningdale Heath, Kristian Baker and Tom Reid, have pledged to revitalise the club, with all-inclusive family membership and more of a focus on the social side of life at the club. For Baker, who had been a professional at Wentworth for 23 years, it’s about moving with the times.
“Our mindset is that we’re trying to position the golf club ten years ahead of the curve,” he explains. “Where’s golf going to be then? We want to be there in a year’s time. For example, how does a family operate nowadays? People want to operate as a family. They want things for the golfer, the non-golfer and for children, and there’s plenty of ideas we’ve got around that as well.”
The club refurbishment has already begun, with plans to instil a more modern and luxurious feel. Also being discussed are plans for a new short game area and a par-3 course, which will offer the perfect environment for beginners to learn the game. It promises to make the Harry Colt classic even more appealing.
“We’re a premium golf club, so we are looking to try and offer a premium facility, but there are enough exclusive golf clubs around us with your Queenwoods, Beaverbrooks, Wentworths, Swinleys, Wisleys… we want to be a premium golf course but inclusive, too, where people can come without paying high joining fees.”
Despite the changes, Baker stresses that the club will lose none of its old charm. The Queen Mother was a patron at the club for a long time, and Agatha Christie played the course many times when she lived in the area. “Its roots are in the ladies’ game and we’ll always embrace that, but we’re now looking to make it a golf club that’s very much at the centre of the modern family,” says Baker.
“We’re hosting a junior event. Eighty spots sold out in under 24 hours. It’s very much about growing the game. That’s what we’re looking to do, and opening it up to juniors who want to start playing, as well as those who might feel intimidated going to a much more traditional golf club.”
Reid, who was senior teaching professional at Stoke Park immediately prior to his arrival at Sunningdale Heath, is equally excited to be involved with the project, adding: “Our target is to become known as the epitome of how golf clubs need to be in the future, with the best short golf course in the world”.
It sounds like a good time to be a member, especially with a new head chef arriving, too. Baker describes Greg Lewis’ Sunday Lunch as “phenomenal”. What more could a club ask for?
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