Golf Business News – Basingstoke prepares to open full 18-hole course and clubhouse

Basingstoke Golf Club is a step closer to completing its full range of new facilities and the Hampshire venue is set to open its new state-of-the-art clubhouse.

The clubhouse – which will officially open on September 14 – will feature a large bar and restaurant, with a balcony offering stunning views across the courses. A new specialist shop will be located here, and the extended changing facilities mean members will be well catered for. The additional meeting space will allow the club to market more opportunities, serving as an additional source of income.

Basingstoke Golf Club, which first opened for play in 1907, moved to a new site in the village of Dummer in 2021 – from nearby Kempshott Park to the former home of Dummer Golf Club on the outskirts of the town – ahead of the project. started a new 18-hole championship course last year.

The former structure of Dummer Golf Club has been completely redesigned by Weller Designs, with a new course defined by a series of exciting and dynamic holes passing through fairways, with several strategically placed water hazards that add to the challenge.

While the club's full opening is still to come in September 2025, members opened ten holes in June, with the full 18 also opening on September 14. Development continues with a new driving program – which includes the latest teaching and ball tracking. technology – and a place for short games and a large putting green.

The new clubhouse will act as a focal point for the club and is a statement of ambition to be one of the best golf courses in Hampshire and beyond, with the overall project fueled by an investment of over £15million.

Architects Feilden+Mawson LLP – whose previous golf clubhouse design work includes refurbishment and rebuild projects at Royal Norwich and Royal West Norfolk – have been involved in the project from its conceptual stage, working closely with the senior management team at Basingstoke to develop the comprehensive plan . Short program and location.

Through this collaboration, the architects have refined the spatial relationships, ensuring that the design is consistent with the vision of Basingstoke and the unique nature of the site. A comprehensive analysis of the surrounding area helped shape the dimensions of the building and structure, including considerations of physicality and the overall ambience of the spaces.

To coincide with the opening of the clubhouse, a key milestone in the development project was the completion of the conservation building in December 2023, which helped course manager Scott Roberts and his team to work seamlessly on the new construction.

Emily Barnston, partner at Feilden+Mawson, said: “We are delighted to see our vision come to fruition. One of the key features of the new clubhouse design is the flowing roof, which flows through all the facilities. When viewed from the square, the roof reflects the color and shape of the distant hills, anchoring the new clubhouse in its context.”

IO&D Construction was the general contractor selected to build the clubhouse, conservatories building and driving range. Trevor O'Brien, managing director at O&D Construction, said: “We are incredibly proud to be involved in the construction of Basingstoke's new clubhouse. It is a truly unique building, which will bring great joy to the members and all who use it.

“From the very beginning in February 2023, until today, it has been a pleasure to work with the entire project team. We were even fortunate to have members from the construction industry who helped us throughout this process to ensure that the work was presented in a satisfactory manner to the members.”

David Green, general manager at Basingstoke Golf Club, said: “It was very important that we create a clubhouse with a modern feel as we look to the future, but within it there will be many historical references which are key to the character and story. of Basingstoke Golf Club.

“Our interior designer, David Hales, was appointed to supply our lounge, dining and office furniture and living room furniture. David provided detailed plans for the building, expanded the space we had and made sure we had a mixed seating area just for dining. We are delighted with the way the furniture looks and the service provided by David's team.

“The clubhouse looks great and will provide our members with a great place to relax, with amazing views over the new course, especially the 1st and 18th holes. The gyms will be close by, helping to create activity chaos and ideal for those who want to warm up before they go.

“The new car park will give our members and visitors more space, while the bar and changing rooms are spacious and comfortable. The clubhouse will also be open to guests and non-members, making it the perfect place for families to get together, while our food and beverage options will enhance the experience for all.

“Our 10-hole grand opening in June was the start of an exciting summer and all 18 holes will be in action as the clubhouse opens. However, there is much more to come over the next year as we build towards that full reopening in the fall of 2025. “

Meanwhile, membership inquiries continued in a positive direction. The club have a full list of prospective members but are excited to take established membership from an old club and build on it as they look to create a new legacy at Basingstoke.

Golf operations manager, Tom Robson, said: “The interest in becoming a member at Basingstoke is very high. We get five to 10 emails with questions every day. This is in addition to the usual emails about public bookings and job applications. With the golf course and facilities we have built, word has spread about our journey to build one of the best golf courses in the southeast.

“Basingstoke Golf Club should be a place where everyone wants to come and enjoy themselves, whether it's practicing on the driving range, playing some amazing golf, or relaxing in our state-of-the-art clubhouse.