Royal Ascot Golf Club was established in 1887 with a golf course designed by J.H. Taylor located within the horse racing track. Due to extensive development of the race track, both the existing golf course and clubhouse are to be lost.
Agreements have been concluded between Ascot Racecourse, the Royal Ascot Golf Club and the Crown Estate for the relocation of the Royal Ascot Golf Club, currently located on the Heath, to a new site to the east of the
Planning permission was granted in 2003 for the new golf course and following the resolution of all land ownership issues with the Crown Estate, owners of the land, work commenced on the new facility in January this year. J & Ely is the main contractor working to a design from Jonathan Tucker of STRI. The new 18 hole facility promises a superb test of golf over 6,340 yards with a scratch score of 69.
The racecourse redevelopment will see the straight mile relocated 42 metres further north into the Heath. As this reduces the area available for golf, it became clear during initial planning that a new home was needed for the historic club, which has been an integral part of local life in the area since its inception in 1887.
Since October last year, golf has been played on the Heath using a reduced 9-hole facility. A number of adjustments have now been made to incorporate 18 challenging tee positions for members and guests in the space available until the new course is ready in summer 2005.
Douglas Erskine-Crum, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, said, “The Royal Ascot Golf Club is an important local amenity and, like the racecourse, has a proud history. It is tremendous news for all concerned that such an ideal site could be found so close to the existing golf course.”
Keith Wetherell, director of the Royal Ascot Golf Club, added, “Although members will be sorry to leave the Heath with all the history associated with many years of golfing there, the club is looking forward to a new era and a superb new course. It will be a fitting new home for the Royal Ascot Golf Club.”
During 2004 a limited number of memberships are available