Despite golf participation numbers being high across the UK and much justified optimism following a tremendous summer of weather, some courses haven’t been immune from existential challenges that in certain cases have seen their doors close for the last time.
We’ve witnessed a significant amount of venues shut down in recent years with considerable pressures on the future of municipal layouts, but also private clubs being threatened by falling memberships, rising operational costs and the shadow of property development reaching out to ensnare them.
The picture is overall positive for the game, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore stories elsewhere that have seen years of history come to an end.
Let’s take a glance at a few of the most notable golf courses that won’t be open for play in 2026.
Gatley Golf Club
Earlier this year, Gatley Golf Club’s story came to a close, despite notable local opposition. Having overturned the council’s decision to reject its plans, Hollins Strategic Land is now in the process of selling the 45 acres of the golf course for property development, with housebuilders set to take full advantage of the landscape and build up to 278 homes.
Gatley resident, Sharon Lindsay, speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, commented: “It’s just heartbreaking to see that it will be built on, the community is feeling very hurt by what has happened.
“Although it’s a private club they feel it has many links to the community that go back to the early days of the club, with generations of family connections. We have a lot of affection and love for the club.
“This is a blueprint for how to sell a sports club and deprive the community of a recreational facility, people need to be aware of that.”
Caird Park Golf Course
Back in April, public golf in the city of Dundee, just a few miles from St Andrews, came to an end following the cessation of play at Caird Park.
Leisure and Culture Dundee (LCD), which oversees public facilities on the behalf of Dundee City Council, closed down the courses at Caird Park, which had a considerable history spanning almost a century, for cost-cutting measures, a decision that came despite a large number of season ticket holders remaining active.
There has been talk of a golf firm potentially taking over the land, but those proposals have not progressed further, meaning that Caird Park’s future could involve something else entirely.
Sapey Golf Club
Worcestershire’s Sapey Golf Club was a 27-hole venue (with clubhouse and lodges) located on the border of Herefordshire, but its site was put up for sale last year.
That transaction was completed back in the spring and the course was permanently closed, a full planning application now having been submitted to convert the location into a family base with guest accommodation.
Golfshake Ambassador Mel Davies visited Sapey some years ago and wrote in a review: “I thoroughly enjoyed the whole round and it offers challenges for every aspect of your game. Tight tee shots, graduated rough and small fast greens can cause problems for any level of golfer, but the course is also playable and one I’m sure everyone would enjoy. We went into the very modern feeling clubhouse and a wide variety of drinks and food were on offer at very reasonable prices.”
Unfortunately, that experience will no longer be available.
North Oxford Golf Club
Established back in 1907, golf balls will be struck at North Oxford one last time on the 31st of October, 2025. The 70-acre site was selected to be part of a major housing development just a few miles from the city centre.
Oxford University has declared it plans to build new homes on the landscape, with a spokesperson confirming: “The land currently occupied by North Oxford Golf Club was allocated for housing in Cherwell District Council’s most recent Local Plan, and the three owners of the site – Exeter and Merton Colleges and Oxford University – have been working together on plans for its development.
“The golf club will vacate the property when its lease expires in November 2025, under an agreement signed by its management and approved by members.
“The three landowners will develop a planning application over the next year, and will be consulting with neighbours and other stakeholders in due course.”
North Oxford is Highly Recommended on Golfshake, but you’re running out of time if you wish to play this acclaimed layout.
Maidenhead Golf Club
It’s been known for several years, but the current location of Maidenhead Golf Club in Berkshire will cease for play at the end of 2025, as the council has sold the site to Cala Homes, who will build 1,500 houses and flats on what will soon be an abandoned course.
Having signed a surrender agreement, the club received a significant sum and it has sought to find a new site to base itself. Several bids were unsuccessful, but it has now purchased and will take over Mill Ride Golf Club, about 12 miles south.
It’s a bittersweet situation for members as their club will survive, but their beloved layout will be gone forever.
Having originally opened for play in December 1896, the history here is substantial, but that lengthy chapter will soon end and a new one shall begin.
But for some of these places, their story has already ended with little hope of resurrection.
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