greenkeeping staff, the course is improving in leaps and bounds. We are also pleased to announce that we have added to o
GATTON MANOR LATEST NEWS Dear All, By now you will have noticed a few changes to operations, facilities and the course as we begin to implement muchneeded improvements generally. Firstly, we are giving the old club house and hotel some TLC – new carpets, decorating, outside furnishings and, of course, continuing to improve and expand our food and beverage offering overall under the expert guidance of our executive chef, Jozef Miko, and master cellar-man, Patrick Lewis. We hope to have the hotel up and running in July and this will also mean bar and dining hours will be extended to accommodate requirements of overnight guests. To give you a flavour of what’s to come, it is our intention to embark on a substantial multi-million pound re-fit, remodelling and additions to the overall facilities available at Gatton Manor. These will include (but not necessarily be limited to) the following: • • • • • • • • • •
Additional 40 bedroom suites (planning permission in place) Self contained holiday homes Complete remodelling of the existing Clubhouse New Member clubhouse and facilities Spa facility with pool Tennis courts Equestrian facilities Fine Dining restaurant Revised function facilities for Corporate/Society and other gatherings Expanded and improved course maintenance facilities
I hope to give you more information on these plans very soon.
I know that most are aware from previous newsletters that, not only was the course neglected for at least the last half of 2017, but due to a particularly wet start to 2018, we were behind on our renovation work. I am very pleased to receive the feedback that all of our hard work is now paying off and, thanks to the expert work from the greenkeeping staff, the course is improving in leaps and bounds. We are also pleased to announce that we have added to our Green keeping team by taking on the experience of Trevor Humphreys who has over 40 years as Course manager at various courses in the area. We also hope to be able to fill another green-keeping position before the end of July, to strengthen the team further. We plan to continue to invest in the course including , landscaping and drainage works. With the help of the EGU we have finalised re numbering of holes and the stroke index, which I would expect to implement shortly. We have ordered new signage and we will replace the existing flags with coloured flags representing front, middle and back hole positions. We have also increased our Buggy provision with modern, lithium powered (lighter, longer life) buggies, due with us in early July. Of course, the above will take a little time and in order to minimise the overall disruption, we will carry the work out in phases. One of the greatest impacts on the day-to-day business will be the substantial changes proposed to the clubhouse building which will, in effect, put it out of operation for some time and before the new members’ clubhouse is complete. To this end, we are proposing to set up an interim facility in the old gym building. This will have its own bar and catering facilities with an outside grassed seating area. The gym was chosen as not only is it close to the current 1st Tee and driving range, but already has changing rooms etc, albeit a little smaller than the existing clubhouse facilities. Buggy collection will be moved to the area in front of the gym. Dave Fluke, our resident gold=f pro, will also be located in the Gym building. The first phase of the construction project will include (amongst other works) the building of the new hotel rooms on the current site of the old bowling/chipping green. It is intended that this phase will also include the new pro-shop and golfers’ facilities, including members’ lounge etc. Of course, all golfers will be welcome to use the rest of the facilities (subject only to any dress codes applicable to all) with the intent being to provide exclusive facilities to golfing guests that are not disrupted by other activities such as corporate gatherings, weddings etc. which I understand was an issue in the past. After much thought we will be closing membership to new applicants in July except in special circumstances. Existing members who regularly use the facilities will be invited to renew their membership in February 2019 (membership year running from March to February). At this time, the window for new membership applications will be open for a short period. We would ask all members to promote the club in full, and ask that you share any social media or newsletters issued by us with friends and family that may be interested in being part of the exciting future of Gatton Manor. Here’s to a great future! Best wishes,
Les Edgar
