Boothferry Golf Club in Yorkshire has been sold for an undisclosed sum to Cheshire-based entrepreneurs Jonathan and Lynn Spencer.
The sale, which was carried out by specialist business property advisors Christie & Co on behalf of Spaldington Golf Centre Limited, also included the adjacent Howden Golf Centre.
Spaldington Golf Centre Ltd acquired the business from East Riding of Yorkshire council in 2005, in order to complement their farming and agricultural business interests.
Boothferry, which first opened in 1982, features an 18-hole, 6,651-yard course, while the neighbouring Howden Golf Centre comprises a 20-bay driving range, 9-hole par-30 course and two Footgolf courses.
Chris Mowforth, Boothferry’s owner, commented: “Given our principal business interests are in farming, and with the course effectively operated under management, we felt strongly that a confidential approach to marketing the club was required. Christie & Co had previously acted for us and we knew their team and Jon Patrick who handled the sale for us very well – in fact, he and I were in the sixth form at Goole Grammar school many years ago and several of our former classmates are members of the club.
“Last year was a phenomenally busy one for the golf club, and it has been great to see so many people playing, as well as new members taking up golf at Boothferry, so I feel the club is really well placed for Jonathan and Lynn to take it forward.”
Jon Patrick, Christie & Co’s Head of Leisure & Development, said: “Many of our business disposal assignments are conducted on a confidential basis, in fact it is very commonplace. Boothferry Golf club has a good reputation in the area and the various treatments and drainage facilities that Chris, and his team, have implemented over the years mean that temporary tees and winter greens rarely have to be used, something the membership appreciates.
“Since outdoor activities including golf were allowed to reopen in June last year, we have seen a surge in interest for outdoor businesses. The golfing sector has definitely benefitted from this and we envisage that golf will again be one of the first activities allowed to re-open following the easing of the current lockdown restrictions.”