This time 12 months ago, the pandemic was thankfully in the rear view mirror – golf & leisure activities played a huge role in helping the nation to recover.
We had hoped that 2022 would be a return to normality (whatever that is these days!). Instead, the headlines are now occupied with global events, climate change, political turmoil and financial uncertainty and all of us have felt the pressure in one way or another.
Golf has come to the rescue again this year, by providing a much needed space to escape and meet friends, whack a ball and spend time in nature. The team at Glendale Golf are in the business of getting more people to Try, Learn & Love Golf and we’ve certainly delivered that (and some!) in 2022, with what has been another record-busting year.
Talking of breaking records, the summer months were the hottest and driest on record. The extreme conditions put a huge strain on our golf courses, but thanks to the work implemented by our maintenance teams, they recovered well. ‘Wall to wall’ overseeding was carried out on several of our courses during the autumn, so we can look forward to even better quality playing surfaces and more resilient turf in the spring. Climate change is a big topic right now and golf course operators have a responsiblity to ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of our management systems, so we can deal with the inevitable changes ahead.
There’s been a surge in demand for golf over the last couple of years and we’re delighted to see that momentum continue in 2022. Glendale Golf committed over £600k reinvestment over the last 12 months, to ensure we meet the changing demands of a busier, more diverse golfing market. By investing in people, quality and ideas we ensured continual improvement of our facilities and services, underpinned by our WINning Formula.
Highlights include:
- Clubhouse renovations at Castle Point Golf Course, creating a more welcoming and user-friendly environment.
- Major course drainage upgrades at Portsmouth Golf Course, Tilgate Forest Golf Centre and Richmond Park Golf Course.
- New driving range and adventure golf course at Duxbury Park Golf Course.
- Replaced petrol golf buggies with a brand new EZGO Lithium electric fleet.
- Tilgate Forest Golf Centre added to the coveted Golf World Top 100 Courses, testament to the major improvements made in 2022.
- Additional turf conditioning machinery including overseeders, aerators and greens rollers.
There’s excitement building as we recently announced the opening date of London Airlinks Golf Course. Featuring a dramatic 18-hole course and Toptracer® Range, the latest addition to the Glendale Golf portfolio will be ready to play in summer 2023. Keep an eye on this development – it’s going to be a must-visit golfing destination! You can take a virtual tour right now.
We’re busy making preparations for the year ahead. A new range of flexible Loyaltee™ plans will be launched in spring, along with improvements to each step of the customer journey, making it even easier to enjoy a round, lesson or range session. Our popular Loyaltee™ Open series will return with even more events throughout the year. We’re also exploring partnership opportunities with England Golf’s successful iGolf programme, designed to make it easier for more people to enjoy the thrill of competitive golf.
Our courses, facilities and team are the best they’ve ever been, but we’ll grow even further next year.
Finally, don’t forget to enter our free Christmas Bonus game and win a guaranteed prize, including green fee coupons and fab Callaway golf accessories.
I’ll sign off this year with a massive thanks to customers and amazing team of employees. Together we made it happen in 2022. Despite the distractions on the news, there’s lots to look forward to in 2023.
Enjoy the festivities and we can’t wait to see you on the fairways!
Jon Dummett
Head of Golf
Glendale Golf/Parkwood Leisure