The first and largest phase of work at Alnwick Castle Golf Club has been completed with the official opening of the new clubhouse.
Delivered as part of a £1.5 million joint venture between the golf club and Northumberland Estates, the clubhouse was officially opened by the Duke of Northumberland.
Andy Hill, the club’s general manager, said: “The opening of our new clubhouse is a fantastic achievement and an exciting step in securing the long-term future of Alnwick Castle Golf Club. Few managers get the opportunity to work on a project of this scale and I’m proud to have been part of its successful completion.”
Work began on the new clubhouse as well as new changing facilities and a greenkeeping shed, plus phase one irrigation on the golf course, in August 2021. The works were completed by Amble-based DP Builders and KW Purvis, with design work by Richardson Surveying and Wardell Armstrong.
“To see the work completed on time having faced a number of challenges – not least three weeks of recuperating after Storm Arwen – is testament to the hard work of all those who have been part of this project,” added Andy.
The work has also included the rerouting of the golf course, with the original sixth hole from the old nine-hole layout – a blind par four with a very challenging approach – reinstated and the former 18th hole removed. The playing order has also been changed with the former 12th hole – a challenging, uphill par five – now serving as the 18th with the new clubhouse balcony overlooking the green.
A second phase of works, including second phase irrigation and the creation of new practice facilities, is set for the coming months.
Andy added: “We’re now looking forward to further enhancing our offering to members, visitors and the local community – including facilities for practice and teaching with our attached professional Darren Grey – and continuing to invest in our offering as we look to deliver growth across all areas of the club.”
