Club profile: Kenilworth Golf Club

Since it opened in the 19th century, the Warwickshire venue has always been viewed as a forward-thinking one. And that continues right up until today via a modern clubhouse.

Kenilworth Golf Club, one of the oldest clubs in Warwickshire, is not standing still as it enters the 2020 season with optimism.

Since its foundation in 1889 when it was established with a nine-hole course on farmland, the club has constantly moved with the times.

From the very beginning it showed forward-looking intent, being one of a handful of clubs in the country at the time to offer membership to women, and it has been a trend that has marked its long history.

Gradual improvements took place on the course until 1936 when it realised its land was inadequate to cope with growing demands. As a result a new 18-hole course was constructed at a nearby site, complete with clubhouse in former farm buildings.

In 1972, a new clubhouse was built to complement the continual development of the course, which saw a large number of trees planted to provide an attractive backdrop to most holes and a natural defence against low scoring.

Over the years diligent work undertaken by the various greens committees saw many improvements to drainage and bunker reshaping which resulted in the fine and popular course seen today.

This year the club has taken improvement one step further with the installation of new lockers in the changing rooms to help players preparing for their round and to maintain the club’s high standards.

In total, 99 full-sized lockers and 94 smaller ones have been installed in the men’s changing room, while an additional 30 large lockers and 50 smaller ones have replaced those in the ladies’ room.

Club general manager Paul Taylor said: “They have a nice oak finish and have successfully replaced the previous ones installed in the 1970s which were past their best.

“They reflect the modern and forward-looking approach we have here at Kenilworth.”

The club employed industry leader Ridgeway Furniture to carry out the work.

Paul added: “The workmanship is good and we are very happy with the result. I would recommend Ridgeway to any club considering a similar project.”

Since its inception, Ridgeway has manufactured tens of thousands of lockers that have been installed in some of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world.

In recent years the company has invested more than £500,000 in a new factory, increasing its capacity by over 50 per cent. The facility, at more than 18,000 square feet, means the company is now the UK’s largest dedicated manufacturer of wooden lockers.

Kenilworth was one of a handful of English golf clubs threatened with loss of holes due to the planned HS2 rail project.

When the rail link was first proposed, the route ran across the eastern end of the course and would have meant the loss of six holes.

Following lengthy discussions with the club’s negotiating team, the route was changed and moved further east so that it now misses the course completely.

In addition, the club received an assurance from HS2 and Highways England that the planned relocation of a lay-by on the A46, which could have impacted the second hole and practice ground, would not be required.