Ultimate Golf Group, the owner of Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, has expanded its portfolio within Surrey following the purchase of Merrist Wood Golf Club.
The property was marketed by International real estate advisor Savills, acting on behalf of receivers, for a guide price of £2.25 million, although the exact selling price achieved for the Guildford-based club has not been revealed.
Merrist Wood first opened in 1996 and boasts an 18-hole, 6,909-yard, par 72 championship golf course designed by David Williams. Formerly part of the Crown Golf portfolio, the club was bought by Lavershot Oaks Ltd in 2020.
Only nine holes have been open at the club since 2023, while the previous owner sought planning permission to carry out renovations to the course. The club is now completely closed while the new owners seek tenders from leading golf course architects to undertake a major renovation of the parkland layout.
Tom Reid, co-founder of Ultimate Golf Group with fellow PGA Professional Kristian Baker, and who bought Sunningdale Heath in 2020, commented: “Rarely does a piece of land this extraordinary come to market; nestled in one of the most breathtaking regions of the country, with seamless access to London. It offers the perfect canvas for what will become one of the most exceptional golf courses in the country.
“More than just another premium golf course; it’s a legacy project, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something truly iconic — where world-class design meets natural beauty. Every detail will be crafted to inspire, challenge, and captivate. Blending exceptional course architecture, flawless playing conditions, elite performance facilities, and a wellness retreat immersed in nature, we are designing a club where members will be truly spoilt. We are beyond excited to bring this vision to life.”
Commenting on the sale, Kay Griffiths, director in the leisure and trading team at Savills, added: “Merrist Wood Golf Club is a substantial landholding in a prime Surrey location. We had exceptional levels of interest in the sale and are delighted that after a competitive process it is being bought by another golf course operator.
“Ultimate Golf Group II Limited have a wealth of experience in transforming golf businesses, and we’re very excited for the future of Merrist Wood Golf Club. We wish the new owners every success with their plans.”