£2.6 million re-launch completed in just 18 months

10 April 2012

April ’12 will see Farleigh re-open all 27 holes of their championship golf courses, one step closer to the grand opening in early May 2012.

Since coming under the ownership of Foxhills, a transformation has taken place.

£1million has been invested in the championship courses alone; with golf architects John Jacobs Golf Associates delivering the last nine hole course ahead of schedule. Keen golfers will be able to play all 27 holes from April 21st.

The new Yellow Course, follows the successful reopening of the Blue and Red courses. Final touches are being carefully applied by Farleigh’s Course Manager Michael Mann, formerly of Wentworth and West Hill, alongside his deputy Robin Cheney, of Celtic Manor.

What has changed?

All the bunkers have been re-built, new tees and ponds have added a fresh challenge and drainage has been upgraded. These improvements enhance the original design that featured greens built to the highest USGA specifications and a layout that complements the undulations of two beautiful valleys set in 350 acres of Surrey Downs.

Owner Marc Hayton, explains “Members and visitors now have the quality, variety and value they deserve. Golfers can choose to grab nine holes around work, play a round or attempt an awesome 27 off the back tees weighing in at just under 10,000 yards.”

Yet it is just the beginning.

Weeks after the Yellow course opens, the veil is lifted on a £1.6m upgrade to the 1500sqm clubhouse.

What’s new?

Outside, the red brick façade has been softened by sweet chestnut and render as well as extensive landscaping.

Inside, a new golf shop and luxury changing rooms featuring specially commissioned wallpaper depicting photographs of signature holes; a bespoke 7 meter bar and 80 cover restaurant, Nineteen, overlooks the valley and the setting sun.

A games room entertains golfers and guests with snooker, a selection of old school board games and the latest games consoles, plus Europe’s first wide screen HD golf simulator, measuring 5metres across. This space can rented by the hour or hired privately for golf days or conferences using one of four state of the art meeting rooms.

Hayton adds, “The clubhouse is going to look a knock out, however this is matched by the quality of the team.” Overseeing the food & drinks is Lindsay Lovegrove formerly of Browns Hotel and Head Chef, Luke Mills, who learnt his craft under Gary Rhodes.

Luke enthuses, “We’ve written menus to appeal to everyone; from friends meeting for afternoon tea or dinner to fantastic homemade pies and puddings for our golfers.”

Farleigh is open to all, 7 days a week.

Press information

Farleigh was opened in 1997 by Fuji Country Club.  The 350 acre estate on the North Surrey Downs, features three nine hole golf courses that link to create three 18 hole courses.  Designed by John Jacobs Associates, the brains behind Wentworth’s Edinburgh course and constructed by Kajima
responsible for The London Club.

The £500,000 improvement of the courses began October 2010 and was masterminded by the original architects, Hayton remarked, “We asked them to finish the job they started.”

Farleigh’s 1500sqm clubhouse has undergone a £2.6million transformation at the hands of DesignLSM, fresh from their award-winning execution of Galvin La Chapelle and refurbishment of The Runnymede Hotel.