Golf clubs are always seeking fresh ways to raise revenue and secure their futures, but few have gone down the path taken by Whitchurch Golf Club in Cardiff.
This acclaimed venue – which staged the Welsh Amateur Championships for both men and women in 2025 – was first established back in 1914 and was recently visited by Golfshake Ambassador Mel Davies, who reviewed the course for us.
It enjoys a scenic location that overlooks the capital city of Wales, with Penarth Head visible when you’re playing, and views of both the Somerset Coast and Bristol Channel complete what is a visual treat.
But things are set to evolve. Seeking cash to fund essential redevelopment work, the club has put up for sale the entirety of its seventh hole, a par three that measures 171 yards in length and covers, approximately, 2.65 acres.
Placed on the market with Savills, interest on the land had to be submitted by the 10th of October, with WalesOnline reporting that given its position in the popular Rhiwbina suburb of the city and excellent transport and accessibility links, the site is considered to be a valuable piece of real-estate that presents many possible development opportunities.
This area boasts an average house price of £397,391, which underlines the lucrative potential of the land.
But why is the golf club taking this bold decision? Simply, it’s to fund essential changes and enhancements to the course that will ensure it retains a full 18-hole status at the same time as adopting more sustainable practices in terms of water management measures. The layout will be reconfigured to retain a full complement of holes.
Mel, our reviewer, was a huge fan of both the design and the club itself, writing: “I would say it is playable for all golfers no matter the age or ability. A really enjoyable course to play and also to look at on the way round. We all really enjoyed the experience, both out on the course and also before/after in the clubhouse, sampling the great food and drinks on offer.”
We’ve seen other examples of venues using parts of their property for other facilities, including Chiddingfold Golf Club in Surrey that became a 12-holer with the introduction of an academy course and a practice range. Farrington Park Golf Club in Somerset is another place that made such a move, also losing several holes in favour of new facilities, including padel tennis and pickleball courts, a children’s play park, outdoor gym and maintenance hub.
Craigie Hill Golf Club in Perth, Scotland, was determined to reconfigure its course from 18 holes to nine, in order to develop houses and to build a new community centre, but planning permission was refused earlier this year, which has placed the long-term future of the club into question.
Whitchurch isn’t going to those extreme lengths, clearly, but there is a looming prospect that its makeup will be a little different. However, both members and visitors should feel assured that it will remain open and successful, even if you might miss the old seventh hole.
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
