Crown Golf, the UK’s largest golf course owner/operator, has reached an agreement to transfer its lease on Trent Park Golf Centre, located in Enfield, London N14.
Trent Park Golf Centre, a popular 18-hole pay-and-play public golf course with large club house and driving range, is reputed to be the best-conditioned public golf course in London.
Crown Golf has traded the property since December 2004 following the acquisition of the former American Golf Corporation group of clubs. American Golf had taken the lease on Trent Park in 2000.
On 6 May 2010, following agreement, the property reverts back to the landlord, Jeremy Sturgess, who traded the business between 1992 and 2000. He currently lives in Egypt where he is developing Ancient Sands Golf Resort, a $500 million resort development in El Gouna on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera (www.ancientsandsresort.com)
Stephen Lewis, CEO of Crown Golf, said, “We are continuing to consolidate our estate, focussing on the clubs which the business wishes to retain for the long term – either for operational reasons, or as a result of their development potential.”
Jeremy Sturgess said: “The ten years of leasing Trent Park to American Golf and then Crown Golf has seen an enormous improvement in the condition of the golf course, which we intend to continue. However, as the recession bites, the Government’s scandalous refusal to deal with the VAT, Rating and Corporation Tax distortions in the golf market places commercial clubs at a huge disadvantage to so-called Private and “Not for Profit” golf clubs, most of which are in reality now operating as commercial businesses with aggressive marketing campaigns for Membership, Society and Green Fee business.”
As Trent Park leaves the group, Crown Golf opened a brand new 9-hole pay-and-play golf centre in Rickmansworth, North West London, further strengthening its portfolio. Its new ‘Nine of Herts’ facility (www.9ofherts.co.uk) opened on 29th April 2010, and features a 9-hole golf course, driving range and clubhouse.
Crown Golf www.crown-golf.co.uk
Trent Park Golf Centre www.trentparkgolf.co.uk