2025 Golf Course Redevelopment

what’s Next for Fingle Glen?

Since 2023, Fingle Glen has been carefully considering how to secure the future of the golf club, one that creates long-term solutions to various ongoing challenges we face. Some examples of our challenges include an outdated irrigation system and limited drainage, factors that will require considerable investment to update.  

After reviewing all options and taking advice from within the industry, the owners at Fingle have made an exciting decision to redevelop the entirety of the club’s golf operation.

The new layout proposal will include a 9-hole par 36, 3000 plus yard golf course, with an 18-hole round being possible by playing a second loop with alternative tees. As well as a reprofiled course, we will be investing in an outdoor driving range, practice putting area, surrounding walking path and cycle route.

The expertly designed estate will have a strong focus on environmental sustainability. There will be strict considerations on preservation and the surrounding wildlife, alongside an emphasis on creating as little disruption as possible throughout the project.

the golf

We will be working on the golf course redevelopment with Next Gen Golfer and Weller Designs Golf Course Architects, who have extensive experience in this field and a large portfolio of successful golf developments in the midlands area. We are very honoured to be working alongside them on this project. Their expertise will be an invaluable tool, and their priorities align with ours in making sure we are able to maximise our offering and provide the best possible consumer experience.

Some key points from the design proposal are outlined below:

  • Each hole has been meticulously designed with quality and playability being the forefront priority.

  • The greens will be rebuilt with the current clay compacted soil base in consideration. The overall aim is to reduce the saturation of the ground and mitigate any waterlogging issues.

  • Our plans to create narrower fairways and integrate areas of neutral wildflower grassland as the rough has many benefits. Once established these grasslands can be largely left to grow naturally needing only occasionally mowing or management to maintain their health. Not only does this cut down on labour and equipment costs but also allows greenkeeping teams to focus their efforts on other critical areas of the course. Another benefit to this is that the grassland root systems that form will help stabilise soil and enhance its capacity to absorb and retain water.

  • An increased number of water features will be incorporated to harvest water run-off, enabling improved course drainage, improve visual aesthetics and challenge to the golfer.

  • A separate short 9-hole “pitch and putt” course will be created to encourage the golf novice to site. This is where there will be potential to include footgolf to again, encourage more visitors.

  • A full length outdoor practice range will be added.

  • A short game approach area will include substantial chipping, putting and bunker facilities near the clubhouse for all ages and abilities.

  • We will cater for golfers of all types so we can continue to encourage all levels of play. We want to be able to challenge high ability golfers, whilst providing beginners a chance to practice a range of all skills.  

Environmental

sustainability

There will be a particular emphasis on ensuring the project follows a strong environmental sustainability ethos, adhering to strict rules and regulations throughout the 3 year plan. Some examples of our sustainability principals are listed below:

  • A commitment to preservation and safeguarding of current habits and wildlife.

  • The creation of natural rainwater reservoirs will allow us to make use of recycled water, contributing to the course watering requirements without depleting other water sources. Sustainable water management can build resilience in societies and ecosystems. 

  • The wildflower grasslands within the roughs are a great tool for biodiversity. These vibrant spaces play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems for wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals.

  • All existing woodland and trees will be preserved, including memorial trees, and replanted if necessary.

the new facilities

  • A 9-hole (par 36, 3,017 yard) golf course, with an 18-hole round being possible by playing a second loop with alternative tees

  • Outdoor driving range located in the heart of the golf course

  • To include chipping, puttng and bunker facilities

  • Non-golfers will be encouraged to site, to sample the surrounding beauty of the location, by utilising a perimeter walking path. The route has been designed to start and end and the golf clubhouse/hotel, give breath-taking views of the valley and encompass a natural wilding area to allow local species of birds and wildlife to thrive. This walking route will be kept away from the golfing line of play.

  • A path for cyclists that surrounds the course to take in the surrounding countryside scenery

2025/2026 Membership

The redevelopment has been scheduled to take around 3 years to complete, and we are aware that this may cause some questions around membership during this time. 

Rather than close the course, like many other courses do during this time, we have made all efforts to ensure that golf will always be accessible and therefore have released a full membership offering for 2025/2026. Please find this here.

The proposed start date to the project currently sits at in November 2025 (with a small chance it could take longer due to planning permissions) so we will be following ‘business as usual’ until then. This means you will have access to 18 holes throughout the summer/autumn period, followed by an operational 9 holes for the remainder of the project.

The clubhouse facilities will remain unaffected so can be enjoyed as usual throughout the entire time.

The operational 9-hole course will be rated and qualifying scored permitted, and we will continue to run competitions as usual.

We are not able to share the redevelopment ‘new design’ images on our site as these are still going through some planning steps, however if you would like to see these we welcome you to book an appointment with us at the club where we can go through these in more detail with you.