Initial ground works have begun on a project to build a new championship golf course at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa that would be capable of hosting top-flight tournaments, including, potentially, the Ryder Cup.
The Arora Group, owners of the resort, have submitted plans to Central Bedfordshire Council to remodel and extend the existing golf course at Luton Hoo, alongside the construction of a new clubhouse and offices.
The golf club and the hotel are now closed while the renovations to all aspects of the resort are being carried out.
The original plans were approved by local officials in June 2023, but these latest amendments include the construction of three extra holes and a new cart path. Councillors have now unanimously approved the requested changes, subject to a referral to the Secretary of State.
The golf course redesign is being carried out by European Golf Design, the design company of Ryder Cup Europe which was involved in changes made to the courses at Celtic Manor (2012), Le Golf National (2018) and Marco Simone (2023).
EGD will be working alongside Justin Rose and Gary Player to oversee the changes to Luton Hoo’s course, while Atlantic Golf Construction will undertake the earthworks and shaping.
Gary Johnston, designer with European Golf Design, described Luton Hoo as “a truly special landscape” where they would be “working with some of the features Capability Brown created”. He said designing a golf course for it “was beyond your wildest dreams really” and it was “very conceivable” the venue could host a Ryder Cup in 10 years’ time. “This site has the space and the access and everything else you would need,” he added.
Ryan Nicholls, Director of projects and developments at the Arora Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be the current custodians of Luton Hoo. It’s a wonderful site in need of love, care and protection to ensure its survival for future centuries and generations.
“The hotel is due to close next week to allow us to implement our regeneration programme across the estate. It was identified there were difficulties with the spectator viewing at the 14th and 15th holes, which would have required more tree clearance.
“To avoid that, we’ve proposed this modification and the extra three holes. This allows golfers to choose their route and is a unique selling point. It allows the delivery of an 18-hole course with adequate spectator viewing, without having to cross the lake.
“The Arora Group has been clear that the aim is to develop a championship grade course, and this will facilitate that goal. We remain committed to delivering all of the social, heritage and economic benefits of the original scheme, with an increase in golf employment of 155 per cent, the desilting of the northern lake and improvements to the ecological landscape.”
Luton Hoo is one of four English venues that are tabling bids to host the Ryder Cup in 2035, with the others being The Belfry, London Golf Club in Kent, and a proposed new venue at Hulton Park in Bolton. The last Ryder Cup to be held in England was at The Belfry in 2002.