Ultimate Golf Group has outlined plans to reopen Merrist Wood Golf Club in Surrey following a major investment programme that would combine a refurbished championship course with new teaching, fitness and wellness facilities.
The Guildford-based venue, which has been closed for more than a year, was acquired by Ultimate Golf Group II Ltd in 2025. Its owners now intend to reposition the property as a premium golf club and wellness destination, with proposals encompassing a rebuilt clubhouse, spa, padel tennis and extensive practice facilities.
Documents submitted to Guildford Borough Council earlier this month seek a decision on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment would be required for the redevelopment. The submission is a preliminary step and does not constitute a full planning application.
No reopening date or total investment figure has been announced, although the developer describes the capital commitment required to transform the course and its associated facilities as “very significant”.
The proposed work includes improvements to playing surfaces and drainage across the 18-hole, par-72 layout, alongside a new driving range, short-game area and golf academy. An academy building would house swing studios, a gym and conditioning facilities, creating a broader offering for golfers seeking coaching and performance support.
The plans also identify substantial refurbishment or demolition requirements within the existing club infrastructure, underlining the scale of the project needed before the venue can return to operation.
In the planning documents, the developer stated: “Ultimate Golf has acquired the site with the intention of repositioning the former club as a high-quality golf club and wellness centre, which will include a spa, padel tennis and a golf academy.”
It adds: “This will involve the owners injecting very significant capital into the course and associated facilities, which will involve improving the playing surfaces, rebuilding the clubhouse, providing a driving range, short game area and an academy building, which will include swing studios, a gym and conditioning facilities.”
Ultimate Golf Group also owns Sunningdale Heath Golf Club in Ascot, where PGA Professionals Kristian Baker and Tom Reid took ownership in 2020. The group believes its experience operating that business provides a foundation for establishing a leading golf course and teaching centre at Merrist Wood.
Savills marketed the property in March 2025 with an asking price of £2.25 million. Ultimate Golf Group II Limited completed its acquisition in July that year, but the course has remained closed while plans were being drawn up for its redevelopment.
Speaking following the acquisition, Tom Reid said: “More than just another premium golf course; it’s a legacy project, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something truly iconic, where world-class design meets natural beauty,” he said. “Every detail will be crafted to inspire, challenge, and captivate. Blending exceptional course architecture, flawless playing conditions, elite performance facilities, and a wellness retreat immersed in nature, we are designing a club where members will be truly spoilt.”
Designed by golf course architect David Williams, Merrist Wood’s 18-hole course first opened in 1996 and occupies a 250-acre site near Worplesdon, adjacent to Merrist Wood College.