Dinsdale GC Closing

[Depreston]

I know there is a few NE golfers on here. Shame it's due to close in April i enjoyed a couple of open comps i played there. the owners had done a great job.

Hopefully someone replaces them

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Is something going to happen on the land? Are they looking to sell as a going concern?

I've played there once, in an open. Okay place but a hike for me and not enough to bring me back.

 

[Hobbit]

Very sad to read this. Played there a number of times in the Teesside League. A cracking course, great members and always a friendly welcome.

 

[Mel Smooth]

I see loads of courses round here offering membership deals - often a sign they are struggling, and obviously not helped by the consistently bad weather we are having.

I expect we'll see a few more go in the next year or two.

 

[Hobbit]

Although unrelated, Middlesbrough FC have just issued a statement saying the business rates have doubled in the last two years. Maybe the same applies to golf clubs…?

 

[moogie]

Never played it.
If it ever stops raining, then might see if can get on before it shuts.

I know its the home course of tour pro Callum Tarren.
Always a shame to lose a course

 

[D-S]

Never played it.
If it ever stops raining, then might see if can get on before it shuts.

I know its the home course of tour pro Callum Tarren.
Always a shame to lose a course

Agreed, especially worrying if it is just for pure economic viability reasons. Normally (around here anyway) it is that it will be because the land can be sold for housing which if you are an owner (and it isn’t a passion project) is always a no brainer.

 

[Golfnut1957]

I live about 20 miles away, and it's one of the two courses in the area that I've never played, and strangely I've never had the urge.

I worked with a few guys who were members, one a past Captain. Another, along with his three mates all upped sticks and came to our place, he cited the internal politics as his reason, although they have now all moved on to Cleveland as it rarely closes, and they don't mind travel.

 

[jim8flog]

Although unrelated, Middlesbrough FC have just issued a statement saying the business rates have doubled in the last two years. Maybe the same applies to golf clubs…?

This year covid rate relief ended. Ours has gone from about £80k to £120k

 

[Fromtherough]

I didn’t realise they were struggling. They’ve invested quite a lot recently too. I played it twice last year and many times in total, a decent course. Lovely food in the clubhouse too. Hopefully they can get a buyer/investor and it doesn’t become a housing development.

 

[PaulMdj]

**Durham County Golf Union Statement – Dinsdale Golf Club**

Durham County Golf Union were deeply saddened to be informed by the owners of Dinsdale Golf Club that the club will close at the end of March.

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.

 

[rudebhoy]

I didn’t realise they were struggling. They’ve invested quite a lot recently too. I played it twice last year and many times in total, a decent course. Lovely food in the clubhouse too. Hopefully they can get a buyer/investor and it doesn’t become a housing development.

I’m not sure they are struggling. Seen a few folk on social media saying the owners have decided to sell to property developers. Could be rubbish of course.

 

[Hobbit]

I’m not sure they are struggling. Seen a few folk on social media saying the owners have decided to sell to property developers. Could be rubbish of course.

The owners are looking to retire, i.e. they don’t want the hassle of running it whilst putting their feet up in retirement. Sounds sensible to me.

Maybe if members want to the club to continue, they need to sort a mortgage.

 

[rudebhoy]

The owners are looking to retire, i.e. they don’t want the hassle of running it whilst putting their feet up in retirement. Sounds sensible to me.

Maybe if members want to the club to continue, they need to sort a mortgage.

So is the club up for sale?

Would be a lot more attractive a proposition if it was still a going concern, rather than a closed course with no membership.

 

[Hobbit]

So is the club up for sale?

Would be a lot more attractive a proposition if it was still a going concern, rather than a closed course with no membership.

I’ve seen a number of Facebook posts from various clubs & Durham County Golf Union expressing sympathy & disappointment about the closure. The Union post says the owners want to explore other opportunities. I’ve also seen a post from a few golfers talking about a sale to property developers.

Not seen anything from the owners confirming anything.

 

[Springveldt]

So is the club up for sale?

Would be a lot more attractive a proposition if it was still a going concern, rather than a closed course with no membership.

Yeah, would be a bizarre choice to just close up shop because the owners want to retire. They must have or be close to having a deal in place to sell it someone and since they haven't offered it up to the membership I'll be amazed if it's not for housing.

 

[rudebhoy]

Yeah, would be a bizarre choice to just close up shop because the owners want to retire. They must have or be close to having a deal in place to sell it someone and since they haven't offered it up to the membership I'll be amazed if it's not for housing.

I assume its closing in March because that’s when membership renewals kick in and they don’t want to renew anyone?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It isn't easy getting change of use for planning on something like this. It can't be spur of the moment, you have to assume wheels have been put in motion much earlier and they have been given the nod that it will go through.

 

[Springveldt]

I assume its closing in March because that’s when membership renewals kick in and they don’t want to renew anyone?

I assume the renewals will be then as well but it seems bizarre to think “let’s close the business since we don’t want to run it anymore”. It will devalue just sitting there doing nothing, you would expect them to maybe get someone in to run it at least if they don’t want to run it to protect the value.

 

[Hobbit]

It isn't easy getting change of use for planning on something like this. It can't be spur of the moment, you have to assume wheels have been put in motion much earlier and they have been given the nod that it will go through.

I vaguely remember from many years back that there was talk of it being repurposed for housing. A quick search actually brings up the initial draft that was passed back then but that’s long since run out. There’s nothing listed as a current application that I can see…