Golfers in Surrey could soon have a new-look destination to play following the announcement that plans are taking shape to bring Merrist Wood Golf Club back to life following its closure just over two years ago.
Ultimate Golf Group, which acquired the Guildford-based club in July 2025, intends to transform the venue into a premium golf and wellness destination, combining an upgraded 18-hole course with extensive practice facilities, coaching, fitness and leisure amenities.
Designed by golf course architect David Williams, Merrist Wood opened in 1996 and occupies a 250-acre site near Worplesdon, adjacent to Merrist Wood College. The club has remained closed while its new owners develop proposals for its future.
Upgraded course & new facilities
The planned investment would see improvements to the playing surfaces and drainage across the par-72 course, alongside a new driving range, short-game area and golf academy.
The academy building would incorporate swing studios, a gym and conditioning facilities, giving golfers opportunities to work on their technique, fitness and overall performance.
Plans also include rebuilding the clubhouse and introducing a spa and padel tennis facilities, broadening the appeal beyond traditional golf and creating a destination for relaxation and recreation as well as playing and practising.
Ultimate Golf Group’s co-founders, PGA Professionals Kristian Baker and Tom Reid, described their vision in planning documents as repositioning the former club as a “high-quality golf club and wellness centre”.
The pair will draw on their experience at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club in Ascot, which they took ownership of in 2020 and have turned into a thriving venue.
The new owners have indicated that the project will require a “very significant” capital investment, although no overall budget or reopening date has been announced as yet.
The proposals remain at an early stage, with documents only recently submitted to Guildford Borough Council to seek a decision on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required, rather than constituting a full planning application.