On the 22 September last year we released our #savegolfonthehill campaign, and within 24 hours the outpouring of emotion across the golfing community around the world was incredible.The phones were ringing thick and fast with enquiries from people all over the globe, including the press, golf course architects, interested parties and people who just happened to share a special connection with Cleeve Hill – so when we received a call into Cookie Jar HQ on Wednesday evening, much like Keyser Söze revealing his true identity, from the new owner soon to be announced, we couldn’t wait to talk more about their plans for Cleeve Hill.
The long awaited news on the future of Cleeve Hill is finally here, and the outcome could not be more positive. We were delighted to hear that Nick Hovey, Managing Director for MASHIE golf, and local businessman Sam Foyle will begin the newly agreed 125-year lease at Cleeve Hill on the 1st April after Tewkesbury Borough Council declared the Cotswold Hub Co. as the successful bidders.
Speaking with us on the pod, Sam and Nick both share a fondness for the club and when they learnt of the clubs’ plight were eager to assist in whatever way. What began as a simple idea, became more serious as the formalities of the process ensued, and we were delighted to hear from them that our film was a support and constant reminder for them to follow through on the bidding process whilst completing presentations and finessing details until the ‘wee’ hours of the morning on a regular basis.
Serendipitously going to local childhood friends who have played at Cleeve Hill as juniors, and lived literally in the shadows of the hill for most of their lives, they have an energy and a passion for protecting not only the legacy of the site and the wonderful green sites and golf holes that are central to the cult status this club has gained in recent years, but also ensuring its financial viability for future generations is secure and that the course it is fully optimised and continues to remain accessible for golfers of all abilities and financial means.
With Tewkesbury Borough Council citing ‘’What the Cotswold Hub Co. is offering to provide is simply outstanding and it meets all the requirements we had for the use of this site’’ is a ringing endorsement for the pair who bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge both in the golfing and hospitality industry but also the local area as they submitted plans to include the protection of this most historic and significant golf course, but also the development to the on site amenities that will benefit the whole community. This will include a new restaurant, café, accommodation lodges and a s
hared space where people can meet and work. You can hear Nick and Sam talk all about it on our podcast which we have launched in conjunction with the announcement.
Those that have visited Cleeve Hill, will know that it’s enjoyed by all in the local community, regardless of pastime and it is great to see that Nick and Sam are resolute in continuing the harmonious relationship between the local community and the golf course and helping to make Cleeve Hill the hub of activity the scenic spot rightly deserves to be.
When asked about the impacts to the current membership, Nick was very clear that in the immediate term, ‘’nothing is to change’’, and that ‘’we are keen to provide continuity for Cleeve’s existing golf members whilst allowing the club to thrive by providing better facilities, improving the standard of the course and encouraging membership growth from the local area which will be the heartbeat of the Club for years to come’’.
Our viewers and listeners who are familiar with the story will know that its modest running costs owe a large part to the sheep that roam the grounds, however the clubhouse that has sadly fallen into disrepair in recent years is in desperate need of investment to remain safe, and enjoyable for all who use it. This is something members and non-members alike can look forward to, as the clubhouse looks forward to welcoming people for food and drink throughout the summer months subject to the easing of the current pandemic restrictions.
The Cotswold Hub co, that both Sam and Nick are leading seeks to develop golf throughout the Cotswolds, and we believe they are onto a winning formula. Cleeve Hill has some fantastic neighbours in the form of Painswick Golf Club, Kington, and Minchinhampton Old across the Cotswolds, all of which are famed throughout the golfing fraternity and here at Cookie Jar Golf, we believe that a trail of three or four of these courses in the surrounding area for less than a total green fee of £100 represents possibly the best value golf trip that England’s golfing landscape can boast.
Speaking of the history of Cleeve Hill, both Nick and Sam are aware, passionate and sympathetic to the rich heritage of the course. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris, and with additional touches by the great Dr Alister Mackenzie in the 20th century, it has an architectural heritage that should make this a ‘must visit’ for any golfer. Furthermore the nature of the course makes it extremely accessible in terms of its appeal to players of all standards. Width from the tee promotes enjoyment, with intricate and unique green complexes providing the basis of its defence. This is what makes Cleeve Hill so special, as it is the essence of what today’s great golf course architects seek to replicate in their current designs, and some might say, the epitome of what Alister Mackenzie meant when he wrote ‘The Spirit of St Andrews’.
Another interesting footnote to the clubs history, is that David Brown who famously won The Open at Musselburgh Old Links, was the keeper of the greens at Cleeve Hill as part of his many adventures. In 1886, with a field short in competitors, he was dragged off a nearby roof, and given suitable attire by the local secretary before play commenced in Scotland, only to go on and win the trophy!
With a history like Cleeve Hill, the quality of the golf holes, a routing that maximises its landscape and vistas, and now its new passionate and energetic owners, #savegolfonthehill is (thankfully) a redundant hashtag…. And we wish its members, local residents and the many thousands who will visit in the fullness of time, a great deal of fun as the club enters its next chapter!
Robin Hiseman coined the phrase that Cleeve Hill is ‘the links in the clouds’, and with that in mind….. Its Onwards and Upwards!
#golfonthehill
Sam Williams
Cookie Jar Golf