Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, off Neasham Road, announced to members earlier this month that it would be shutting on April 1. 

While no official statement has been issued by the owners, who took over in 2018, a letter sent to members said they had made the “incredibly difficult decision” to close.

Questions now remain over the future of the club, which was founded in 1910, with no announcement made on what may become of the 6,462 yard 18-hole course. 

The Northern Echo has attempted to contact the club owners on several occasions but has yet to receive any correspondence. 

Cllr Colin Pease, independent ward councillor for Sadberge and Middleton St George, branded the closure as “very disappointing news” and said he had “no idea” about plans for the future.

He said: “I did pop into the Pro Shop after a round, but the girl at the desk said they’d been told nothing. I have no idea on plans for the future.

“I’m just hoping they find a buyer to continue with the golf.”

Dinsdale Golf Club

The letter sent to members and seen by the Echo states: “There is never a perfect way to make these announcements, however, we wanted to write to you personally to let you know that Dinsdale Golf Club will be closing from April 1, 2026.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly.

“Since arriving in 2018, we have poured our hearts into the club, improving the course, enhancing the facilities and rebuilding Dinsdale. 

“The club has been far more than a business to us, it’s been a central part of our lives. 

“However, after dedicating ourselves fully to the day-to-day demands, we have come to the decision that now is the right time to step away and prioritise our families and other parts of life that have taken a back seat for far too long.”

Dinsdale Spa is the third Darlington course to close in recent times after the original Blackwell Grange course in 2013 and Hallgarth Hotel’s nine holes in 2025.

The news sparked a string of messages of both sadness and support, with the Durham County Golf Union saying it was “deeply saddened”. 

It said it hoped there “may yet be a viable future for the site”.