Masters winner Ian Woosnam, Solheim Cup star Charley Hull, and Walker Cup player Charlie Forster officially opened the newly redeveloped Basingstoke Golf Club on Saturday, May 2.
Their visit marked the conclusion of a five-year project that saw the historic Hampshire club, founded in 1907, relocate to Dummer and undergo a complete redesign by Weller Designs.
From left: Di Stewart, Charley Hull, Ian Woosnam, David Green and Charlie Forster. (Image: James Hogg)
Former world number one Woosnam, the 1991 Masters winner who captained Europe to Ryder Cup success in 2006, joined Hull, a seven-time Solheim Cup player and winner of nine LPGA and LET titles, and Forster, a long-time member of the club who made his Walker Cup debut last September before turning professional, for the official inauguration.
Woosnam said: “It’s a proper test of golf and excellent all-round facilities from the clubhouse to the new academy.
“You can see the thought that’s gone into every detail and it’s a course that will be a great experience for members and visitors alike.”
Hull also praised the venue. She said: “The greens are exceptional and the world-class practice facilities and fun course make this somewhere you’d want to come back and play again.”
Club ambassador Forster said: “To be part of this day at my home club means a lot.
“To see all the members enjoying the day with Woosie and Charley has been wonderful and launches an exciting new era for everyone here.”
The event also marked the launch of the club’s new 1907 Academy, developed in partnership with SYNLawn UK.
The academy combines performance-led design with a focus on sustainability and features the latest Trackman technology.
A group of club members selected via a prize raffle had the chance to play nine holes with the golf stars before taking part in a Q&A session hosted by Sky Sports presenter Di Stewart.
David Green, general manager at Basingstoke Golf Club, said: “Our official opening celebrates five years of incredible dedication and collaboration from everyone involved in the Basingstoke Golf Club project.
“We were thrilled to welcome Ian Woosnam and Charley Hull alongside our own Charlie Forster for such a fantastic occasion as we opened one of the region’s premier golf venues.”
Built on chalk downland, the redesigned course features rebuilt greens, tees and bunkers, as well as wide fairways and creeping bentgrass greens – the first of their kind in Hampshire.
An advanced irrigation system ensures consistent playing conditions year-round.
Basingstoke Golf Club is located just off the M3 at junction seven.