Golf course looking to tee off with new operator
Chesterfield Borough Council is looking for a new operator to run Tapton Park Golf Course.
Since 2009 Sheffield City Trust has been in charge under a lease agreement with the council. However, the Trust will cease to operate in September 2024 and a new operator is now sought to take over the running of the courses and clubhouse.
Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Tapton Park Golf Course is a fantastic facility, which is why we are seeking a new and experienced operator to look after the courses and clubhouse, and meet the council’s aim of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play the great game of golf.
“We know the courses are already exceptionally popular with 39,000 rounds of golf played on average every year, which is a great base from which the right operator can build a successful revenue stream that will ensure that the facilities remain attractive and financially sustainable for many years to come.
“The chosen operator will need to maintain Tapton Park Golf Course as a pay-to-play facility, meaning anyone can visit without a membership. They will also be expected to encourage participation in golf, work closely with the resident members’ club, and keep the courses and clubhouse to a high standard.
“We expect there to be a lot of interest in Tapton Park Golf Course and the council is working to a spring 2024 deadline with our agents HMH Golf and Leisure to find a new operator to take over the running of the courses and clubhouse from Sheffield City Trust.”
Tapton Park Golf Course features a full 18-hole course, 9-hole course, 6-hole pitch and putt course, a practice area, driving range, outbuildings, and a clubhouse. The course is built on parkland which was formerly part of the Tapton House estate.
Russ Garner, chair of Tapton Park Golf Club, said: “We look forward to working with the council in their task of finding a new operator for Tapton Park Golf Course. We hope that the new operator will be able to bring fresh investment into the courses and clubhouse and stimulate the interest of a new generation of golfers to join our well-established resident members’ club.”
HMH Golf and Leisure have been appointed to market Tapton Park Golf Course, but the final decision on a new operator will be taken by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet.
It is anticipated that the new operator will sign up for a minimum 25-year lease.