Fresh from the Fairways

Fresh from the Fairways: June 2025 Edition

Welcome to your quarterly update

We’re thrilled to announce that summer has made its grand entrance, bringing wall-to-wall sunshine and a course that’s livelier than ever. If you’ve been looking for a tee time, you’ll know exactly what we mean – it’s great to see the place buzzing!

Get ready to tee off into this jam-packed newsletter, where we’ll share the latest updates on our course maintenance, a rundown of upcoming events that are sure to fill your calendar, some cracking special offers and promotions, and all the friendly faces and updates from the clubhouse and our brilliant team. Enjoy the read, and we’ll see you on the green!

Here’s what we’ll be covering in this edition:

Take the quiz – What kind of golfer are you?
Golf course update from our Head Greenkeeper
Upcoming events
Promotions & special offers
Clubhouse & catering
Team update
Community news

Is membership right for you in 2025?

As we swing into the summer of 2025, golfers everywhere are wondering: what’s the smartest way to enjoy my golf this year?

At Tilgate Forest Golf Centre, we understand that every golfer’s needs are unique, which is why we offer a range of membership options beyond the traditional annual contract. So, is a classic yearly membership still the best value, or could the rising popularity of the monthly ‘no contract’ option be your perfect match?

Let’s tee up a comparison to help you decide.

Golf Course Update

Sunniest Spring on Record Fuels Course Enhancements

This Spring has been one for the record books, officially ranking as the sunniest Spring on record in 2025. This stands in stark contrast to the exceptionally wet Spring of 2024. Despite the dramatic shift in weather conditions, our dedicated Greenkeeping team has been working tirelessly to implement significant improvements across the golf course.

Nathan Cooke, our Head Greenkeeper, elaborates on the vital work undertaken:

“We’ve adopted a consistent, monthly aeration program for our greens, incorporating both solid tining and verti-cutting. The verti-cutting has been particularly effective with our new Greentek Thatchaway units. This regular, targeted work is crucial for enhancing drainage, promoting healthier soil, and ultimately improving the overall playability of our greens as we head into the busy summer season.”

Bunker Renovations and Strategic Grass Management

Beyond the greens, considerable effort has gone into refining other key areas of the course:

“We’ve also carried out essential improvement works on numerous bunkers throughout the course,” Nathan explains. “I’m especially pleased to announce that our greenside bunkers on holes 12 and 13 are scheduled for complete renovation later this year, which will significantly enhance those challenging holes.”

Furthermore, a new philosophy has been applied to grass management this Spring:

“This year, we’ve taken a more strategic approach to our rough management,” Nathan continues. “We’ve intentionally allowed certain areas of rough to grow out more in selective locations. This not only contributes to improved biodiversity across the course but also effectively frames and highlights different areas, adding to the aesthetic appeal and playing experience.”

The team’s adaptability and commitment, navigating from one of the wettest to the sunniest Springs on record, have been instrumental in delivering a course that is in excellent condition and ready for the season ahead.

Driving Range Improvements

Driving Range Outfield Renovation Nears Completion

We’re thrilled to announce that the major renovation project on our driving range outfield, which began in March, has reached a significant milestone! The main phase of work, including a complete drainage system upgrade, is now complete, and the range is fully reopened for you to enjoy.

Final Touches Coming in September

While you can already experience the improved drainage and outfield surface, we’re not quite finished yet. The remaining works program is scheduled for completion in September. This will involve levelling the entire surface and a full overseeding, ensuring a truly pristine and consistent outfield area.

You might be wondering why there’s a slight delay between phases. This final stage was initially planned to commence immediately after the initial drainage work. However, the extended dry spell we’ve experienced this summer hasn’t been ideal for turf restablishment, prompting us to postpone the overseeding until conditions are more favourable in the autumn. This strategic delay will ensure the best possible results for the new turf.

We’re confident that the end result will be a significant improvement to the overall presentation and playability of the driving range, offering you an even better practice experience. We appreciate your patience as we put these final touches in place!

Special Offers

Chase the Sun with Our £10 Buggy Offer!

Soak up the glorious sunshine on the course with our fantastic Sunchaser Buggy Offer, available now for just £10! Whether you’re a loyal member or a welcome visitor, this offer is designed to make your round even more enjoyable.

How to Grab Your £10 Buggy:

It’s simple! This incredible deal is valid for rounds played Monday to Friday, after 1 PM. To take advantage of the £10 buggy, you’ll need to book your tee time online.

Click here and book your afternoon round and your Sunchaser buggy online today!

Clubhouse & Hospitality

Exciting News: New Catering Buggy Arriving Soon!

Get ready to enhance your on-course experience this summer! We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expecting delivery of our brand new Catering Buggy. This fantastic addition will be cruising the course, bringing you a welcome selection of ice-cold drinks and delicious snacks right when you need them most.

No more waiting until you’re back at the clubhouse for a refreshing break! Our new buggy is designed to keep you hydrated and energised throughout your round, ensuring you can focus on your game. Look out for our Catering Buggy on the course – it’s going to be a game-changer for your summer rounds!

Team Update

Welcoming Chris Mitchell, Our New Assistant Course Manager!

We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Chris Mitchell, who has joined our team as the new Assistant Course Manager! Chris brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent the last 10 years at Banstead Golf Club. He’s already settling in incredibly well, and we’re truly valuing the expertise and fresh perspective he’s bringing to our course management. We’re confident Chris will be a huge asset as we continue to enhance our beautiful course.

Stuart Bromley: Employee of the Quarter!

A huge congratulations to Stuart Bromley from our Clubhouse team, who has been awarded Employee of the Quarter! Stuart’s dedication and unwavering reliability have been truly outstanding, especially during what has been a particularly busy period for both the golf course and the driving range. His commitment has been invaluable, and we’re incredibly grateful for his hard work and support. Well done, Stuart!

Community Outreach

Supporting Our Community: Partnering with Age UK for Dementia Activities

We’re proud to continue our valuable partnership with Age UK, providing them with a dedicated space to host engaging activities for dementia patients. It’s a privilege to offer our function room in an alternative way, allowing us to actively support this vital local charity and the incredible work they do within our community.

This collaboration goes beyond simply providing a venue; it’s about fostering a supportive environment where individuals living with dementia can participate in enriching activities, promoting well-being and social connection. We’re delighted to contribute to Age UK’s mission and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership.