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06
May
First look at the revamped Spofforth Golf Course before it re-opens this week
After years of uncertainty surrounding its future, Spofforth Golf Course is finally ready to re-open.
The Curtis family saw an opportunity after the sale of the 130-acre site fell through in November 2023.
It had been listed for sale for £2 million in the summer of that year.
With no prior experience of owning or managing a golf course, the family became the official owners in November 2024.
The Stray Ferret visited the site today (May 6) ahead of its official opening on Thursday. When we last saw the course, it was laden with snow, but it has since undergone quite the transformation.
According to Adam, one of the Curtis sons, people can expect "lovely, green grass that’s well cared for".
Adam claims to know little about golf, unlike his father, who is mad about the sport, and his brother Tom, who plays professionally.
But it’s clear Adam is passionate about the family’s new venture and has even joined the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association.
He said:
The grass has been cut with good machinery and lots of care and attention. There are some cracking greens that are comparable to other courses in the area.
A lot of care has gone into making this [course] the best it possibly can be, and it looks stunning.
One of the holes at the site.
It is a par-72 course.
Adam previously told the Stray Ferret that he and his family were focused on getting the 18-hole course in "tip-top shape", and a recent post on Spofforth Golf Course's social media said the transformation has been a “very long and difficult road…not to mention expensive”.
The Curtis family has invested in new machinery, replanted and fertilised grass areas and put down new sand for the bunkers.
They have renovated the clubhouse, which will also act as a half-way house, and the changing areas.
Golfers can look forward to tea and coffees, cold drinks, cakes, pies and pasties served at the clubhouse. There will also be a range of golf equipment for sale, including balls, gloves and markers.
The clubhouse has had a revamp too.
Spofforth Golf Course will continue to operate as a pay-and-play course, and memberships are not currently available.
Golfers can tee off as early as 7.36am – after the gates open at 7.30am – and the last bookable tee time is 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
But as a pay-and-play course, people can turn up and begin their game later in the evening – providing they finish before the gates close.
Adam told the Stray Ferret:
For peak times, it’s very much an 18-hole golf course. But we’re offering nine holes in the afternoon on weekdays, and a twilight deal at weekends.
That basically means play as many holes as you can between 4pm and 7.30pm, when the gates close. That’s three-and-a-half-hours to play nine-plus holes for a reduced rate.
We are going to review everything as we go on, though.
The views are pretty spectacular.
He also said the family is open to “constructive feedback” about the running of the course.
They are also looking to set up a junior golfers’ scheme for people aged 16 and under, but the course is suitable for all abilities.
Adam said:
There is something for everybody – everybody will find something attractive in different places. The front nine may be more suitable to beginners and intermediates, whereas the back nine could be more interesting for more experienced golfers.
There is also a six-bay driving range.
Spofforth Golf Course will officially re-open its doors on May 8.
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