Dinsdale Golf Club in Darlington, which was founded in 1910, is set to close at the end of March.
The current owners, who took over the County Durham-based club in 2018, sent out a letter out to members earlier this month which said that the decision to shut down the club had been ‘incredibly difficult and not one we have taken lightly’.
The statement continued: “There is never a perfect way to make these announcements; however, we wanted to write to you personally to let you know that Dinsdale Golf Club will be closing from April 1. Since arriving in 2018, we have poured our hearts into the club, improving the course, enhancing the facilities and rebuilding Dinsdale. The club has been far more than a business to us; it’s been a central part of our lives.
“However, after dedicating ourselves fully to the day-to-day demands, we have come to the decision that now is the right time to step away and prioritise our families and other parts of life that have taken a back seat for far too long.”
Several local and regional golfing bodies have reacted to the news of the imminent closure, including the Teesside and District Union of Golf Clubs, which issued a statement saying: “We are very sad to hear of the news that Dinsdale Golf Club has announced plans to close. A club with a long and proud history which will be missed. This is always a difficult time for everyone involved. Our best wishes go to all the staff and members for the future.”
A spokesperson for the Durham County Golf Union remarked: “Dinsdale Golf Club has served as an important golfing venue and valued community facility within County Durham for well over a century. Its closure will be keenly felt. We hope that the members of the club are not lost to the game of golf and are able to find membership at other clubs in the local area, particularly clubs within the Durham County Golf Union, as soon as possible.
“While we are not currently aware of any plans regarding the course and facilities beyond March, we remain hopeful that there may yet be a viable future for the site and that golf could continue to be played there in the years ahead. We are fully appreciative of the tremendous amount of time, effort and financial resources that the current owners have invested in Dinsdale Golf Club since taking it over in 2018. Their endeavours have managed to develop, modernise and improve the course and facilities at the club. We wish them well as they move on.”
Dinsdale Golf Club started out life as a 9-hole course in 1906, with the foundations laid by landowner Allan Havelock-Allan. The parkland layout was expanded to an 18 holes when the club was officially founded in 1910. In 1920, the course underwent a major revamp known as the ‘MacKenzie Scheme’, which was outlined by the legendary architect Alistair MacKenzie. These schemes were aimed at enhancing courses with strategic, natural-looking features, often in line with his 13 principles of design, which emphasised two loops of nine holes, undulating greens, and minimum blind shots.
Golf course designer David Hemstock reconfigured the course in 2005-2006, introducing two new holes on the front nine, resulting in the 6,462-yard, par 72 course that is played today.
In addition to the golf course, the club boasts a covered driving range powered by Trackman and a large clubhouse. The club currently charges £1,095 for full adult annual membership, with visitor green fees available from £17-£28 a round.