Merseyside set for new £190 million golf club

A major new international golf development in Merseyside is a step nearer after Wirral Council agreed to spend more than half a million pounds on surveys and geotechnical reports to see it through.

If it gets built, The Hoylake Golf Resort will cost about £190 million, will include a championship-standard golf course, academy, hotel and conference centre, and could be managed by the same firm that runs Celtic Manor in Wales.

Wirral Council

The council has also appointed Nicklaus Joint Venture Group, fronted by Jack Nicklaus, as its preferred development partner, which will present a funding strategy for the project.

Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council, said: “The Hoylake Golf Resort will be a major destination for visitors to Wirral from around the world. We will see a £190 million development including a luxury resort and hotel together with the country’s only municipal golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.”

The facility is to include an academy for links golf, but further detail as to the scale of its various elements will not be revealed until the New Year.

“Hoylake Golf Resort will be an iconic international project bringing new jobs, prosperity and tourists to Wirral, boosting our economy and visitor numbers. It reflects the bold ambitions we have for Wirral and to have industry-leading organisations like Celtic Manor exploring the possibilities is encouraging.

“Tourism is an important part of our growth plan, and supports our pledges around a vibrant economy and job creation. We already know the power of golf to attract investment and international visitors to Wirral from our experiences hosting what are widely considered to have been two of the most successful British Opens in recent years,” he added.

“The next stage is to consult on a range of commercial, technical and legal issues to help us draw up a blueprint for moving forward. We will continue to consult and engage with local residents and other interested parties as we look to move forward in delivering these exciting plans.”