Crown Golf, the UK’s largest golf course owner/operator, has placed three of its 34 golf properties on the market. Stephen Lewis, Crown Golf CEO, said, “During the past three years the focus of our business has been on the integration of acquired clubs to harmonise operational standards across the business.
“However as a part of establishing the correct platform for long term sustainable growth we are now planning a period of consolidation, focussing on the clubs which the business wishes to retain for the long term – either for operational reasons, or as a result of their development potential.”
The Binfield, Berkshire-based company is selling Eccleston Park GC in Merseyside; The Vale GC in Worcestershire; and The Chase GC in Staffordshire.
All three clubs have healthy memberships and green fee business, are trading profitably and represent an attractive proposition to be purchased either singly or as a group.
The sales, which are being managed by Humberts Leisure, come as part of Crown Golf’s strategic plan to build a long-term, sustainable golf business.
The Vale GC is set in 304 acres near Worcester, has a guide price of £2.25m, has more than 1,000 members and is home to one of the Midlands’ premier courses – a spectacular 7,55 yard (par 74) Bob Sandow designed layout. Other facilities include: the 9-hole Lenches Course, an 18-bay floodlit range, 3-storey clubhouse with conference/function facilities.
Set in 160 acres, The Chase GC, near Cannock, is offered for sale with a guide price of £1.65m and is conveniently located just 30 minutes from the centre of Birmingham. With a challenging 6,641 yard 18-hole course, 20-bay floodlit range and three-storey clubhouse, the club has more than 840 members and is also extremely popular with visiting golfers.
Eccleston Park GC is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It is home to an attractive 18-hole, 6,477 yard course and 6,800 sq ft clubhouse set in 125 acres near Liverpool. The club, which has more than 650 members and a healthy green fee trade, is offered for sale with a guide price of £1.65m.
All club staff have been told about the sale. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their efforts, support and loyalty over the years,” said Stephen Lewis. “These are very profitable businesses and we would expect to find a buyer, or buyers, very quickly. Therefore, we hope there will be minimal impact for staff and club members during this process.”
Expressions of interest in the three clubs should be addressed to Ben Allen at Humberts Leisure, 01962 835960, www.humberts-leisure.com
Crown Golf www.crown-golf.co.uk