Two golf clubs are sold to leisure groups

A golf club in Suffolk and one in south-western Scotland have been sold a few days apart.

Fynn Valley Golf Club in Suffolk golf club has been sold after 31 years of family ownership – with the new owners planning to make it the “envy of the area”.

The venue has been purchased by Green Valley Leisure Resorts after being owned by the Tyrells since its establishment in 1991.

Tony Tyrell, founder of the club, stepped down as managing director four years ago.

His step-son and son-in-law, Julian Pennington and Andy Coe, along with his two daughters, Jenny and Katie, subsequently took on management.

After guiding the club through the pandemic, they have decided to sell Fynn Valley and focus on their construction business.

The new managing director will be Green Valley director, Robert Cawley.

In a letter to Fynn Valley members, the owners said the decision to sell “was not easy”, adding: “While Andy and I have enjoyed our time helping Fynn Valley evolve, we have got to a point where we need to hand over the baton to others who will ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Fynn Valley Golf Club. Image from Facebook

Tony Tyrell said this was an “immensely difficult decision”, but describes Green Valley Leisure Resorts as “the right purchaser”.

He added: “Robert and his company have exciting long-term plans to invest in the club.

“They are the right company to take on and progress the family legacy.”

In an opening letter to members and staff of Fynn Valley, incoming director Robert Cawley said: “It is with great honour that I find myself having the opportunity to take over the running of Fynn Valley.”

He assured members his company’s vision was “in line” with the previous directors’, adding “we are here to make Fynn Valley the envy of Ipswich and beyond”.

The land on which it sits has been owned by the Tyrell family since 1908. Originally a farm, Tony took over managing the area in 1970 and began establishing the golf course in 1989.

In addition to the parkland 18-hole course, the club has a nine-hole course, floodlit covered golf range, a practice area, and the Fynn Valley Cafe Terrace, which opened in 2018.

Meanwhile, Cally Palace Hotel and Golf Course in Gatehouse of Fleet has become one of three venues owned by the McMillan hotel group to be sold to Bespoke Hotels.

Douglas McMillan, managing director of McMillan Hotels, said: “Ultimately, we could not be happier with the outcome of our sale and we very much look forward to seeing what the future brings for them.”

Thomas Greenall, CEO of Bespoke Hotels, added: “We are delighted to add such characterful hotels to our portfolio. We cannot wait to develop them further, building on their excellent reputation within the community.”