Leisure Links International (“LLI”) a company, established in 1999, that specialises in providing management services to the golf industry, announces that it has acquired Chesfield Downs Golf Club from Clubhaus PLC for a total consideration of £3.9 million. Located at Jacks Hill, Graveley, near. Stevenage, Hertfordshire, the acquisition follows on from the company’s acquisition of Test Valley Golf Club in Hampshire last year and confirms LLI’s commitment to developing its golf club business interests.
LLI directors were formerly senior executives with Family Golf Ltd (a previous owner of Chesfield Downs Golf Club) and CCA International Ltd. Between them they have over 45 years experience in the management, operation and marketing of golf clubs.
“We are delighted to have acquired Chesfield Downs,” stated Geoffrey Legouix. LLI joint managing director. “It represents a significant step in the development of our business which proposes to own additional golf course properties in southern England. The property, which is situated on free, fast draining chalk sub soil, ensures that golfers can play year around – something that has proved to be a challenge at poorly drained golf course as we experience milder wetter winters but an immense member golfing benefit at Chesfield Downs”
“Combining our two complimentary skill sets, club marketing and sales with club, course and retail operations, we believe that under LLI’s direction the club, which has plenty of potential, can be developed into a property that meets and hopefully exceeds the expectations of members and visitors”, added Jonathan Talbot-Weiss. LLI joint managing director.
The property is laid out over gently undulating Hertfordshire downland and offers 18 holes of championship golf, which extends to 6,646 yards from the back tees, configured in two loops of 9 holes emanating from the clubhouse. Additional golfing facilities include the 9-hole Lannocks Links short course, a 25-bay covered driving range, Progress Golf Academy and practice putting green where the course’s two golf professionals, Jayne Fernley and Henry Arnot, provide both individual and group tuition at great rates. The large teeing areas on all holes ensure that the course can be played from grass tees year around. Likewise the greens, which have been constructed to USGA specifications on both courses, are also playable year around and are well established.
“Chesfield Downs, which opened in 1991, also boasts a large and friendly clubhouse that affords panoramic views over the golf course and a large pro-shop facility that will be branded under LLI’s retail operation as a Geoff Budd’s Golf Emporium. LLI’s challenge, having undertaken a thorough business audit, will be to develop the software – the staff and member and customer services – and of course the revenues. Both Jonathan and I will play a hands on role in the management of the property to take it to the next level and in doing so provide a club that members, customers and we can feel proud to be associated with. Most importantly though, our objective is to ensure that Chesfield Downs is considered to be friendly, welcoming and fun whilst at the same time delivering great value golf”, commented Geoffrey Legouix.
For further information about Chesfield Downs Golf Club or Leisure Links International Ltd. please call Geoffrey Legouix or Jonathan Talbot-Weiss on Tel.: 01462 482 929 (Chesfield Downs) or 08707 459 022 (LLI office).
Leisure Links International Ltd mailbox@lli.uk.com
Clubhaus PLC www.clubhaus.com