Magnolia Park to close

Magnolia Park Hotel and Golf Club in Buckinghamshire is to close next month after its owners made the decision to shut the hotel and its golf course permanently just weeks after it re-opened following the relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Despite signing up several new members last month, the owners of the 200-acre Aylesbury-based venue, Magnolia Park Trading, issued a statement on June 5 to say that the club, and the 18-hole golf course, would be closed for good from July 31.

Like all golf clubs in the UK, Magnolia Park closed on March 23 when the lockdown was announced, and then reopened on May 15. However, while the course was open, the clubhouse and the 40-bedroom hotel has had to remain shut for the past three months, resulting in a huge loss of income from the hospitality and events side of the business.

A statement issued by Magnolia Park Trading said: “Taking account of ongoing Coronavirus restrictions, and the long-term repercussions for the hotel business, the owner has confirmed that both the hotel and golf course will then remain closed until further notice and plans will commence for the redevelopment of the hotel and grounds.

“The decision to close the hotel, which changed ownership in July 2019, comes after careful consideration and consultation, including a detailed review of the long-term strategic options for the property. Any redevelopment will be respectful and sympathetic to its neighbours and the surrounding countryside.”

Magnolia Park’s par-73, 6,946-yard course was designed by Jonathan Gaunt and first opened in 1999.