East Dorset looks West

Multi-million pound refinancing deal secures Club’s future.

The East Dorset Golf Club has relaunched as The Dorset Golf and Country Club after a successful multi-million pound re-financing deal and the introduction of a new management team whose sights are firmly fixed on the Club achieving its potential as the best in the West.

For the Club, already one of the Dorset’s top golfing facilities, situated in 300 acres of forest and heathland, the new deal will enable a number of significant improvements, investment designed to ensure the Club’s place as the premier golfing venue in the region.

With two picturesque courses, the 9 hole Woodland Course with its Rhododendron and tree-lined fairways, and the 18 hole Lakeland Course, designed by Martin Hawtree, the Dorset already plays host to several major championship events. Both courses are already constructed to USGA specification, and the new investment will enhance all-year round playing conditions and upgrade bunkers and greens, bringing both courses to Championship standard. Funds will also be used to purchase a substantial amount of new course equipment and expand existing facilities, to include a larger Pro-shop.

Graham Packer, a former manager at the Three Rivers Golf and Country Club in Essex; Tracey Park Golf and Country Club, Bristol and Woodlands in Bristol, has taken on the role of General Manager and Course Director. Top UK coach and Professional, Derwynne Honan has been appointed Head Professional and Director of Golf.

Businessman John Champion, who brings more than 25 years of Golf Club Management skills to the team, as Captain, Chairman and Director of Saltford Golf Club, near Bath, is one of three new faces on the board.

Say’s Packer, "The Dorset is already an excellent Club, with two courses designed to enable members and guests to enjoy some of the most stunning views and scenery. We have a great team in place and a clear strategy for the future. It’s a combination that we all believe could make this one of the best golfing resorts in Europe."

Owner and Chairman, Count Christian Lerche, is committed to developing an all- round country club feel to The Dorset. The Club already has its own quality accommodation for 32 visiting golfers in the Dorset Golf Hotel and plans are to extend this as well as developing other outdoor and leisure opportunities around the 300 acre site.

Other new appointments include Scott Porter, a fully qualified PGA Professional to Coaching Professional; Steve Pryor to Club Course Superintendent and Mark Welsh to Head Greenkeeper.