Harleyford Golf Club, the parkland course set in historic surroundings just outside Marlow in Buckinghamshire, has announced a special opportunity to new members for a limited period.
Harleyford was bought by its members this August for £3m and there are approximately 320 shareholder members. The club was previously a debenture club. The members succeeding in buying the Club after competition with golf chain American Golf. They wanted to be in control of their destiny and to protect the quality and unique character of the club.
Since being bought by its members, the club has already seen a renewed irrigation system and the bunkers are currently being renovated. There are other plans for gradual improvements including adapting the clubhouse to better suit member requirements.
The Club would now like to see the membership increase by a small percentage and has produced a special offer for a limited period only where membership and other benefits are available for £4,000.
This includes a 50% discount off the Club’s joining fee; the annual subscription for 2002/2003; free play up to April 2002 and ten free private golf lessons with Club Professional, Lee Jackson.
Set within 160 acres of an area of outstanding natural beauty, Harleyford offers traditional golf in historic surroundings. Situated on the banks of the River Thames between Marlow and Henley-on-Thames, in the heart of the Chilterns, the Harleyford Estate dates back to 1288.
The 6,700 yard par 72 course was designed by Donald Steel and takes full advantage of the rolling contours of the Estate and the abundance of magnificent mature trees. Four years ago Harleyford was named One of the UK’s Top Ten New Golf Courses by ‘Golf World’.
Well known for their work on sensitive links sites such as St Andrews, Royal County Down, Rye and Royal Dornoch, Donald Steel and his team are masters in creating courses of great distinction that subtly blend with the landscape.
The site is south facing, sheltered and blessed with natural features so that very little contouring has been necessary, enabling the natural beauty of the estate to be preserved. The parkland holes (the 1st, 2nd, 16th, 17th and 18th) have no bunkers at all; instead, players are challenged by grassy hollows and cunningly angled greens which amply test their putting skills.
Large greens are complemented by generous tees constructed by Brian Pierson to the highest possible specification taking full advantage of the latest technology. The foundations of the greens contain a comprehensive herringbone pattern of drainage channels which, combined with the naturally free-drainage fairways, ensure that the course is playable all year round.
The Harleyford Golf Academy’s facilities include a large practice tee, driving range and a full course specification two-tier green, complete with unusually generous chipping areas and a practice bunker.
The Clubhouse has been created through the conversion of an existing flint barn and other traditional Victorian farm buildings, which in the 19th Century, formed the Home Farm of the Harleyford Estate. The building is built around an attractive, cloistered and terraced courtyard. A gothic theme prevails throughout, blending effortlessly with modern design. The General Manager of the Club is Marc Newey.
Harleyford Golf Club www.harleyfordgolf.org