Masters champion Ian Woosnam, Solheim Cup star Charley Hull and Walker Cup player Charlie Forster officially opened the new Basingstoke Golf Club on May 2, marking the culmination of the club’s £20 million redevelopment.
The trio joined members, local dignitaries and guests to celebrate the conclusion of a five-year project that has seen the Hampshire club, founded in 1907, relocate to Dummer on the outskirts of Basingstoke and undergo a complete redesign by Weller Designs.
Former world number one Woosnam, the 1991 Masters winner who captained Europe to Ryder Cup success in 2006, joined Hull, a seven-time Solheim Cup player and winner of nine LPGA and LET titles, and Basingstoke ambassador Forster, a long-time member of the club who made his Walker Cup debut last September before turning professional, for the official inauguration.
The day also marked the official opening of the club’s new 1907 Academy developed in partnership with SYNLawn UK, combining performance-led design with a focus on sustainability with the latest Trackman technology.
Reflecting on the day, Woosnam said: “It’s a proper test of golf and excellent all round facilities from the clubhouse to the new academy. You can see the thought that’s gone into every detail and it’s a course that will be a great experience for members and visitors alike.”
Hull added: “The greens are exceptional and the world-class practice facilities and fun course make this somewhere you’d want to come back and play again.”
Forster said: “To be part of this day at my home club means a lot. To see all the members enjoying the day with Woosie and Charley has been wonderful and launches an exciting new era for everyone here.”
A selection of lucky members drawn from a prize raffle also had the opportunity to play nine holes alongside the trio before an insightful and entertaining Q&A hosted by Sky Sports presenter Di Stewart.
Built on chalk downland, the course features rebuilt greens, tees and bunkers across the fairways, wide strategic fairways and creeping bentgrass greens, the first of their kind in Hampshire. An advanced irrigation system ensures consistent playing conditions year-round.
David Green, general manager at Basingstoke Golf Club, said: “Our official opening celebrates five years of incredible dedication and collaboration from everyone involved in the Basingstoke Golf Club project. We were thrilled to welcome Ian Woosnam and Charley Hull alongside our own Charlie Forster for such a fantastic occasion as we opened one of the region’s premier golf venues.”
Easily accessible from junction seven of the M3, Basingstoke Golf Club is well placed to serve its membership and attract visiting golfers from across the region and the south of England as it enters this next phase of its development.
For more information, visit www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk