\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n From left: Di Stewart, Charley Hull, Ian Woosnam, David Green and Charlie Forster. (Image: James Hogg)\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n Woosnam said: “It\u2019s a proper test of golf and excellent all-round facilities from the clubhouse to the new academy.\n<\/p>\n
\n “You can see the thought that\u2019s gone into every detail and it\u2019s a course that will be a great experience for members and visitors alike.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Hull also praised the venue. She said: “The greens are exceptional and the world-class practice facilities and fun course make this somewhere you\u2019d want to come back and play again.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Club ambassador Forster said: “To be part of this day at my home club means a lot.\n<\/p>\n
\n “To see all the members enjoying the day with Woosie and Charley has been wonderful and launches an exciting new era for everyone here.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The event also marked the launch of the club\u2019s new 1907 Academy, developed in partnership with SYNLawn UK.\n<\/p>\n
\n The academy combines performance-led design with a focus on sustainability and features the latest Trackman technology.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n “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\u2019s premier golf venues.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Built on chalk downland, the redesigned course features rebuilt greens, tees and bunkers, as well as wide fairways and creeping bentgrass greens \u2013 the first of their kind in Hampshire.\n<\/p>\n
\n An advanced irrigation system ensures consistent playing conditions year-round.\n<\/p>\n