Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, off Neasham Road, will be shutting its doors on April 1, the Northern Echo understands.
It marks the end of 116 years of golfing at the 18-hole course, which was founded in 1910. Reasons behind the closure are not yet confirmed.
The shock news has sparked a number of messages of support from nearby clubs, including Darlington Golf Club, Castle Eden Golf Club, Eaglescliffe Golf Club, and others.
Durham County Golf Union said it was “deeply saddened” by the news and remains hopeful that there “may yet be a viable future for the site”.
The Teesside and District Union of Golf Clubs said it was “very sad” to hear the news about the club, saying it has a “long and proud history which will be missed”.
Dinsdale Spa is yet to publicly respond to the closure news.
Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A full statement from the Durham County Golf Union said: “We understand that the decision has been made because the owners feel the time is right for them to step away and focus on other aspects of their lives, including family and other business interests.
“It would be inappropriate to speculate on any other reasons for the closure.
“Dinsdale Golf Club has long been regarded as a wonderful golf course and an asset within our Union of 43 affiliated clubs.
“Established in 1910, it has served as an important golfing venue and valued community facility within County Durham for well over a century. Its closure will be keenly felt.
“Our thoughts are very much with the staff and members of Dinsdale at this difficult time.
“We sincerely hope that the employed members of staff are able to find alternative employment very quickly and are not badly affected for too long.
“We also hope that the members of the club are not lost to the game of golf and are able to find membership at other clubs in the local area, particularly clubs within the Durham County Golf Union, as soon as possible.
Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“While we are not currently aware of any plans regarding the course and facilities beyond March, we remain hopeful that there may yet be a viable future for the site and that golf could continue to be played there in the years ahead.
“We are fully aware, and appreciative, of the tremendous amount of time, focus, commitment and finance that the current owners have invested in Dinsdale Golf Club since taking it over in 2018.
“Their endeavours have managed to develop, modernise and improve the course and facilities at the club. We wish them well as they move on.”
Dinsdale Spa history
Despite being founded in 1910, Dinsdale Spa, and its name, stretches much further back to when sulphurous spa water was discovered in the area in 1789.
In 1880, the riverside baths were rebuilt as a second, smaller hotel while the spa’s former hotel – now Dinsdale Park – became a psychiatric hospital, special needs school and then nursing home.
Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
In 1906, landowner Allan Havelock-Allan established a nine-hole golf course but this went into liquidation.
Four years later and Dinsdale Spa had extended to 18 holes, taken over the smaller hotel as a clubhouse, and founded itself as the club known today in 1910.
The picturesque parkland has been revamped several times over the years, notably in 1920 through the “MacKenzie Scheme”, which was outlined by Alistair MacKenzie.
The course also welcomed two new holes on the front nine in 2006.
It was bought out by private owners back in 2018 and there were plans ongoing for the continual development of both the course and the clubhouse.
The Northern Echo has contacted Dinsdale Spa for more information.