Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa has announced that it is to close its golf course next year after the lease of the land on which the 18-hole layout was built was not renewed by the club’s owners.
While the hotel and spa element of the Ferndown-based venue will remain open, and will shortly undergo a major refurbishment, the golf course will close on March 31, 2024, according to a report in the Bournemouth Echo, with the staff and membership being given six months’ notice so that they can look for alternatives jobs and clubs.
Founded in 2006, the club boasts an 18-hole course, driving range, putting and chipping green, and a six-hole academy course.
In a statement, Beate Robinson, owner of the golf club, said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce that the golf course at Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa will be closing from April 1, 2024. We were recently informed that the lease purchased on the golf course will expire on March 31, 2024, and will not be renewed. I would like to confirm that the hotel & spa, bistro, events and guesthouse will operate as normal, but will undergo extensive refurbishments and investment, and will continue to provide excellent facilities for the local community to use.”
She added: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my team who have maintained the course and supported the club throughout our time here. I would like to also extend my thanks to our members and patrons who have enjoyed the course over the years.”
A letter to members written by Paul Palmer, general manager at the club, said: “I am predicting a high demand to play the course before its closure. I have seen a lot of members come and go over the years; the support and friendship of the patrons that have stayed with the club has been heart-warming. Decisions regarding the course closure have not been taken lightly, and I would like to stress that the well-being of my staff will be my upmost priority during this time.”
Plans for the future of the land on the which the golf course is located have to yet to be announced.
