Coombe Wood Golf Club, built on Kingston Hill in Surrey, has panoramic views all the way to the North Downs. It's a sight enjoyed by members and guests since 1904.
A few years ago Coombe Wood went through a challenging period when it was announced that the club was looking for a buyer. This was not received well and a number of the board members united to stop the sale. Although some left initially when they thought the club was in trouble, what became apparent was there was a great loyalty to the club within the membership. "When we thought about what we could lose, it drew many of us together" said Ladies Honorary Treasurer Maureen McGowan. "We love this club, so we all pulled together".
One of the first things the new management did was to recruit Kevin Mullen to fill the role of General Manager. There hadn't been a General Manager there for five years. Now, Kevin makes sure that his door is always open and he gets out meeting members and finding out their views.
A new structure of memberships has also been introduced, which has attracted new members to replace those who had left.
It's a testament to the new management, a hard working General Manager and the deep loyalty of long standing members, that the club has transformed the situation it was in couple of years ago. Investment is being made in the course, the greens and the clubhouse, which is being refurbished over the coming months.
They now run a full schedule of both fun and competitive competitions, as well as a full diary of social events.
The club has also developed a thriving social scene, with sell out shows such as tribute acts and an opera singer from the Royal Academy of Music. Regular club nights are held to bring members together as a group. All sections of the golf membership are thriving with a busy playing schedule and tournament professionals James Heath and Joe Blake, who learnt their skills at the club, regularly come back to visit. All this has helped draw the members together and unify the club.
Although its a competitive marketplace with players considering three or four different clubs, Coombe Wood's new policy on reasonable pricing, variety of memberships and flexibility on how members can pay has proved successful. The membership is now resurgent and above all there's an air of positivity around the club.
It all adds up to a club that is not standing still, it's progressing. And a club that has met its challenges full on and come through confidently, supported by some very loyal members.
For further information please call 020 8942 0388 or visit www.coombewoodgolf.com