HMH reports three very different golf club transactions to get 2024 off to a flying start: Royal Norwich, Norfolk – an investment found for a private members club. Horsley Lodge, Derbyshire – a proprietary club sold for the first time since opening in 1988). High Legh Park Golf Club, Cheshire – a long leasehold business sold on behalf of International Leisure Group.
HMH Golf & Leisure gain investment in Royal Norwich Golf Club on The Weston Estate to a private individual for an undisclosed sum, ‘a modern masterpiece in a magical setting that weaves through ancient woodland’
Ross McMurray at European Golf Design was the design architect for Royal Norwich. EGD was also responsible for the recent 2023 Ryder Cup venue, Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, in Italy. Opened by Ian Poulter AKA “The Postman” in 2019 whose highest world ranking was 5 in 2010.
The Property Comprises;
- 336 acres (est.) Freehold
- 18 hole 7,209 yards (par 73) parkland golf course
- Full specification 6 hole academy course; practice putting green, chipping green, 10 bay driving range incorporating Toptracer & 15 outdoor bays
- All greens to USGA specification
- Substantial clubhouse extending to 1,637 sq.m. (17,621 sq.ft.) on two levels with extensive catering facilities on the ground floor, private dining areas and meeting rooms
- 3 gate lodges and a bungalow
- Padel Tennis Court
- Turfcare Centre of Excellence extending to 901 sq.m. (9,700 sq.ft.)
Tom Marriott of HMH says, “We were asked by the Members to quietly seek an investment for the business in October 2023. We went to a selected list and agreed an investment in January 2024. The level of interest and the speed of the transaction reflect the fantastic quality of the venue and the desire of the principles to transact quickly. This is a wonderful asset which will go from strength to strength under the new ownership.”
John Kerr, CEO, Royal Norwich says, “Royal Norwich has secured a £5 Million investment allowing its philanthropic work to continue and accelerate into 2024 and beyond.
“Building on the community engagement since Royal Norwich’s move to Weston Estate in 2019 this investment secures the clubs future and opens the door for significant further development of the Royal Norwich brand throughout our Golf, Padel and Hospitality offerings with more facilities and services planned.
“Royal Norwich is delighted to accelerate our investment into the future of our Norfolk Community through sports engagement for all ages and abilities and continue to drive our hospitality as the Country Club of choice in Norfolk. With no membership requirement to access or use our fabulous facilities we will continue to create a community space for everyone in the heart of Norfolk.”
Horsley Lodge in Derby has been sold on behalf of the Salt family to Staton Young for an undisclosed sum.
This well-presented golf, hotel and event business was developed by the Salt family in the late 1980s and was offered for sale for the first time as the Directors wanted to retire.
The freehold c. 159 acre property comprised an 18 hole Peter McEvoy OBE designed 6,544 yard (par 72) golf course; 10 bay floodlit golf driving range; short game area; practice facilities; 14 en-suite letting bedrooms; large clubhouse with extensive events / function space and various golf outbuildings; along with a 6 bedroom farmhouse. The business has over 650 members and delivers a highly profitable trading record.
Ben Allen of HMH said “It is becoming increasingly unusual for us to offer a Club to market on behalf of the original owners / developers. Over the last 35 years the Salts have created a business that is highly regarded in the area and well loved by its members and all those who visit. Staton Young has great plans to take Horsley Lodge to the next level and it will be exciting to see how the business evolves over the coming years.”
High Legh Park Golf Club in Knutsford has been sold on behalf of International Leisure Group to The Club Company for an undisclosed sum.
The long leasehold property, which forms part of the High Legh Estate, comprises: a Mark James designed 18 hole 6,505 yard (par 71) golf course; modern two storey 10,000 sq ft clubhouse; 9,000 sq ft golf academy / American Golf superstore; 23 bay floodlit Toptracer golf driving range and a four bedroom farmhouse.
Tom Marriott at HMH said; “High Legh is an attractive, well located golf club that offers great opportunity for growth and will undoubtedly thrive in the capable hands of The Club Company, which is looking to invest in the business.”
In addition to the sales reported above, HMH currently has another six golf clubs under offer and anticipate reporting further completions in the coming weeks.
For further information on these sales please contact Ben Allen or Tom Marriott
Ben Allen 07887 80 44 30 ben@hmhgolf.com
Tom Marriott 07900672045 tom@hmhgolf.com