Beaverbrook course takes shape at Cherkley

Development of the controversial new golf resort at Cherkley Court in Surrey is moving apace, with irrigation systems already having been installed at the 400-acre, 18-hole course near Leatherhead.

Called Beaverbrook Golf Club, in recognition of the family that formerly owned the estate, the course is being co-designed by David McLay Kidd and Tom Watson, and is on schedule to open in summer 2016.

In addition to the golf course, the £90 million project will also see the grade II-listed building, famous for being the former residence of press baron Lord Beaverbrook, converted into a luxury hotel, health club and spa.

8 Aerial view of Beaverbrook course
The planned routing of the new 18-hole course at Cherkley Court

Tim Edwards, a director of developer Longshot Cherkley Court, said: “We are aiming to become the most exclusive private golf club in the UK, and everything about this project is about finding and using the best of the best, so it’s only right that we chose Toro to be a part of our future plans.”

Despite joining fees reported to be in excess of £100,000, membership sales at the ultra-exclusive club are reported to be ‘brisk’.

A legal appeal by campaigners to stop the development going ahead was thrown out of the High Court in December last year.