\n Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, off Neasham Road, will be shutting its doors on April 1, the Northern Echo understands.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n Durham County Golf Union said it was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by the news and remains hopeful that there \u201cmay yet be a viable future for the site\u201d.\n<\/p>\n
\n The Teesside and District Union of Golf Clubs said it was \u201cvery sad\u201d to hear the news about the club, saying it has a \u201clong and proud history which will be missed\u201d.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dinsdale Spa is yet to publicly respond to the closure news.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n
\n A full statement from the Durham County Golf Union said: \u201cWe 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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt would be inappropriate to speculate on any other reasons for the closure.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cDinsdale Golf Club has long been regarded as a wonderful golf course and an asset within our Union of 43 affiliated clubs.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cEstablished 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cOur thoughts are very much with the staff and members of Dinsdale at this difficult time.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe sincerely hope that the employed members of staff are able to find alternative employment very quickly and are not badly affected for too long.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe 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,\u00a0 as soon as possible.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWhile 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe 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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cTheir endeavours have managed to develop, modernise and improve the course and facilities at the club. We wish them well as they move on.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Dinsdale Spa history<\/p>\n
\n 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.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n In 1880, the riverside baths were rebuilt as a second, smaller hotel while the spa\u2019s former hotel – now Dinsdale Park – became a psychiatric hospital, special needs school and then nursing home.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \n \n In 1906, landowner Allan Havelock-Allan established a nine-hole golf course but this went into liquidation.\u00a0\n<\/p>\nDinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n