The transformation of Milford Golf Club near Guildford is almost complete, with a September 1 launch date for its re-designed golf course including five new holes.
The changes mean that golfers will no longer face a dangerous crossing of the busy commuter road leading to Milford train station, to play a loop of three holes.
And the Surrey club is offering a buggy tour and a free round of golf for members of the public who wish to come and see the changes.
The closing four holes at Milford – three of them brand new – will now become a major feature at the club, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. There is also a new start to the round, with a redesigned first hole and a new par-3 second, plus there are new back tees on the 11th, 12th and 13th.
Together with the 18th, which already offers one of Surrey’s most attractive and dramatic final tee shots across a lake, the closing stretch at Milford Golf Club will become a highlight of golf in the county.
“There is great excitement among our members thatMilford now has a series of memorable feature holes,” said Simon Fowler, general manager at Milford Golf Club. “This is a big upgrade for our golf course, and will make for a much more enjoyable experience for our members who play here so frequently. Our new holes are streets ahead of the ones which they have replaced, as regards both how beautiful they are to look at, and how challenging they are to play.
“We have added enjoyment without adding too much length or difficulty. Milford has become a better test of golf, with even more appeal for our members and the wider golfing community.”
Milford’s clubhouse has also been refurbished, with more room for functions and private meetings, and a more attractive bar and restaurant area. The club, which has remained open for play throughout the changes, is holding a grand opening of its new-look golf course on Sunday, September 1, with a tournament for the club’s members on the day before. And that creates a rare opportunity for one golfer.
“Somebody who plays in our two opening events will set the new course record,” Fowler. “We are hoping that some of Surrey’s better golfers will come and take on our new holes – and someone’s scorecard will end up framed in the bar as a result.”
Milford is already one of the most female-friendly in the country, with more than one in five of its members are female, almost twice the national average. And Fowler hopes that more women from the area will discover the club when word spreads of the improvements. “We hope to welcome many newcomers of both sexes from the local area to Milford this year, to help us celebrate our new-look club,” Fowler added.