A 116-year-old golf club in Darlington is set to close down, according to reports.
Dinsdale Spa Golf Club will be shutting its doors on April 1, states the Northern Echo.
Reasons behind the closure have not yet been detailed beyond the owners wanting to explore other interests.
Unions and golf clubs reacted to the news by expressing how sad they felt.
Durham County Golf Union said it was “deeply saddened” by the news and remains hopeful that there “may yet be a viable future for the site”.
The Teesside and District Union of Golf Clubs said it was “very sad” to hear the news about the club, saying it has a “long and proud history which will be missed”.
A full statement from the Durham County Golf Union said: “We understand that the decision has been made because the owners feel the time is right for them to step away and focus on other aspects of their lives, including family and other business interests.
“It would be inappropriate to speculate on any other reasons for the closure.
“Dinsdale Golf Club has long been regarded as a wonderful golf course and an asset within our union of 43 affiliated clubs.
“Established in 1910, it has served as an important golfing venue and valued community facility within County Durham for well over a century. Its closure will be keenly felt.
“Our thoughts are very much with the staff and members of Dinsdale at this difficult time.
“We sincerely hope that the employed members of staff are able to find alternative employment very quickly and are not badly affected for too long.
“We also hope that the members of the club are not lost to the game of golf and are able to find membership at other clubs in the local area, particularly clubs within the Durham County Golf Union, as soon as possible.
“While we are not currently aware of any plans regarding the course and facilities beyond March, we remain hopeful that there may yet be a viable future for the site and that golf could continue to be played there in the years ahead.
“We are fully aware, and appreciative, of the tremendous amount of time, focus, commitment and finance that the current owners have invested in Dinsdale Golf Club since taking it over in 2018.
“Their endeavours have managed to develop, modernise and improve the course and facilities at the club. We wish them well as they move on.”
The picturesque parkland has been revamped several times over the years, notably in 1920 through the “MacKenzie Scheme”, which was outlined by Alistair MacKenzie.
It was bought out by private owners back in 2018 and there were plans ongoing for the continual development of both the course and the clubhouse.
Leave a Reply