Newbury golf clubs' propose merger

The proposition has come about following a review by The Racecourse Newbury of its golf operation.
However the merger is subject to the approval of Newbury and Crookham Golf Club members at the club’s annual general meeting in April next year.
As part of the proposal, a new beginners' course and driving range could be built on land south of the racecourse and north of Pigeons Farm housing estate. Newbury Racecourse Golf Club gained planning permission for this development in 2009.
It is also proposed that the 140-year-old Newbury and Crookham Golf Club, which is one of the oldest inland golf clubs in England, will manage both courses.
Meanwhile, the racecourse golf course will be reduced to nine holes, with 18 tees.
Managing director for racecourse and events at The Racecourse Newbury, Stephen Higgins said: “This is an excellent proposal which will safeguard golf at the racecourse for our members, whilst providing them access to a new facility and club house.
“Throughout negotiations, we have been impressed by the commitment and vision demonstrated by Newbury and Crookham Golf Club and we see this as an excellent long term solution.”
If the merger is approved, members of the racecourse golf club will retain full playing rights at the course in 2013, as well as off peak rights to play the Newbury and Crookham golf course from June 2013 until the end of 2014.
Meanwhile members of Newbury and Crookham Golf Club will receive full playing rights at their course and free membership to The Racecourse Newbury until the end of 2014.
Club manager at Newbury and Crookham Golf Club, Ed Richardson said: “Our aim is to have the best golfing facility in West Berkshire and we look forward to receiving members support to work with the racecourse to deliver this.
“The opportunity to expand this service by developing a 27 hole golf complex, with a practice range, and the possibility of further facilities including a covered driving range is too good an opportunity to miss.
“We are a golf course that is well established, however we don’t have practice facilities where beginners can learn. This is one of the benefits of the merger.
“The feedback from our members has been relatively positive, but because we are a members club any major proposal goes to the vote at our annual general meeting.”