Great Hadham Country Club is located just to the east of Bishop Stortford in Hertfordshire. The course was founded by the Streeter family nearly 25 years ago and was developed by the Bailey family, who subsequently sold their remaining interest to the Morgans in 2016. Both Gary Bailey and his sister Danielle Leak are still very much involved in the club today, with Gary running the golf and health club departments, whilst Danielle focuses on the hospitality side of the business. 

 

Prior to 2016, the business suffered slightly from under-investment and, although still popular, it was crying out for reinvestment. Over the last 12 months there has been considerable capital investment. The irrigation system has been completely upgraded, including new and more efficient sprinkler heads, a new putting green has been built and the green keeping staff numbers have been doubled, so the team are now able to start a major overhaul of all of the bunkers on the course – a programme that should be completed in April next year. The whole complex is thriving with industry and the atmosphere is infectious.

 

The golf itself is very well run, offering outstanding value for money for visiting societies, green fee players and annual members. The main 18 hole layout – The Lakes Course – is set in beautiful meadowland, with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The par 72 layout is quite long at 6850 yards from the back tees and, as the name suggests, there are a number of water hazards to avoid, as well as tangley rough and a gaggle of newly-renovated bunkers on each hole.

 

On the golf range there are fifteen covered bays, with baskets of balls varying in price from £2.50 up to £5.50 for 80 balls; there is even more interest in the range since American Golf came to club at the start of the year. In addition to the range,   a brand new putting green has recently been added, with a chipping area planned for development next year. FootGolf is also popular, with the course for FootGolf being shared with the par three course: not all golf and FootGolf facilities work well together, but the joint occupancy of the course has proved to be successful at Great Hadham, which is much to do with the friendly and enthusiastic attitude of all of the staff.

 

The country club’s elegant lodge accommodation is ideal for those wishing to invest in a rural retreat that they can use for active breaks and restful times away from the hurly-burly of modern life. There are increasing numbers of clubs turning to similar style developments to help find a better future for their golf facilities. It works so well at Great Hadham because it is a large and well-equipped destination already, with lots to do and a welcoming and engaging staff, determined to ensure that everyone has a good time when they visit. Also, with the complex sprawling across 240 acres there is plenty of space for lodges to happily co-exist with the other leisure facilities.

 

The old golf shop has been replaced with a new American Golf store, which is doing a great trade both in the clubhouse and on the range. Membership of the health club has grown strongly and the hospitality side of the business is now extremely busy. Membership and green fee incomes for the golf course are both substantially up on previous years. Overall, business has been great and interest in the new lodge developments is inspiring many new people to come and visit the country club.

 

Gary Bailey spoke to Golf Features:

 

“The lodges are bringing a new dynamic to the business. They will guarantee the future financially, not just with the investment that they generate, but also with the increased business that the people using the lodges will bring to the country club. We are also now able to invest properly and substantially in the infrastructure here at Great Hadham. It is great to see the place fizzing with activity again.”

 

There are two highly experienced golf professionals who teach at the club. Kevin Lunt was the original head pro and struck the first shot on the course nearly 25 years ago: plans are in place for a repeat performance next spring to mark the club’s quarter of a century. Paul Hetherington is also heavily involved in coaching at the club and is a past captain of the PGA in England East. 

 

There are exceptional facilities for all keen golfers at Great Hadham Country Club. In addition there is a very well equipped gym, an elegant spa and a large area for conferences and social events. The hospitality side of the business has gone from strength to strength, with the club now being able to conduct marriages and civil ceremonies on site, offering the complete package for those special days. 

 

Dani Leak elaborates: “We are obviously very excited that Hertfordshire County Council have been able to grant us the ability to hold wedding and other civil ceremonies here. After a lot of hard work and dedication the clubhouse and our new wedding garden are looking fantastic.”

This is a very well run facility, offering a number of interesting leisure options for non-golfers making it an ideal place to get away and relax – it is also a great setting for lodges. 

 

For more information on Great Hadham Country Club, please visit the website: www.greathadham.co.uk