American Golf Becomes New Operator of Greater London Course

Golf retailer American Golf takes over its sixth leisure venue after acquiring Barnehurst Golf Course in Greater London.

Barnehurst Golf Course in Bexleyheath closed its doors in 2020 when its previous operator, Mytime Active, ended the lease after 11 years of operating. Local reports stated that it was one of the few golf venues not to benefit from the covid-19 pandemic.

American Golf, which owns over 90 retail stores across the UK and runs driving ranges at Rossendale, Hemingford Abbots and Wythall, has said it will be the new operator and that Barnehurst Golf Course will reopen this spring. The retailer has submitted plans to enhance the venue with the addition of a new sports lounge, a refurbished driving range, and retail space with custom-fitting services.

The nine-hole venue will be updated to become “a destination complex with inclusivity at its core”, said a spokeswoman.

Local councillor Peter Craske said: “Having such an established name running the course is exactly what is needed to help it develop and grow into a key golfing venue.

“The new operators are already brimming with ideas for the site and I’m looking forward to seeing them start work.”

American Golf’s CEO, Gary Favell said: “We are looking forward to being part of the Barnehurst community and to welcoming past and new members to the club when we open our doors in spring.

“The acquisition of our first municipal site supports our wider vision to make golf accessible and fun for everyone. We want to break down the barriers to entry and to inspire as many people as possible to try golf for the first time. We are looking forward to developing relationships with the surrounding communities.”

“It is great to see so many new people get into golf. By adding more sites to our portfolio, we are opening access to different ways of enjoying golf via the driving range, adventure golf, golf course and our F&B offering too. There are also many associated health and wellbeing benefits from playing golf as well as it being a great fun activity for the family to enjoy too.”

Future proposals include an adventure golf course, subject to the usual planning application process, he added.