Another one bites the dust

Darlington Golf Clubs members have voted 221-36 to back a partnership with developer Theakston Estate. But there is a silver lining.

Under the deal the developer would purchase the golf club, and the club would move to farmland, which the developer owns and build a new course and clubhouse there.

Club chairman David Peat said: “Over the past few years we and most other golf clubs have been struggling to make ends meet and the signs indicate that things could, and probably will, get worse as we all fight for a limited number of members.

“This proposal allows us to build a course of our choice, have an efficient clubhouse and facilities, affordable subscriptions and a strong balance sheet to make continuous improvement, all of this without any disruption to playing golf or any risk to our organisation.

“We believe that this unique opportunity only comes around once in a lifetime and provides facilities and a solid financial base to take us forward into the future.

“The proposal was positively received with the overwhelming majority in support. This is a win-win situation for us, the developer and the town as it strives to meet its housing needs.”

While the club has not publicly disclosed how much it will make from the move, The Northern Echo said the club was offered a ‘substantial sum of money.’

In the UK the pressure to build new housing is intense, so we think this is a good solution. More homes, and the opportunity for a golf club to create a brand new course with facilities that properly meet the needs of a 21^st century membership. And no disrespect, but the existing clubhouse is not exactly a thing of beauty.

Expect more deals like this coming down the pipeline.

For more news on other courses that are being redeveloped click here.