Local residents and members of the Buckinghamshire golf community have voiced strong criticism after plans emerged for Wycombe Wanderers to convert part of the South Buckinghamshire Golf Club into a new training base, a move that would see the historic course reduced from 18 holes to nine.
The controversial proposal, backed by Buckinghamshire Council and pushed forward by the League One side, has sparked concern about the loss of affordable sport access and the impact on established golf users.
The site, previously known as Stoke Park Golf Club and linked with the James Bond film Goldfinger, is being leased to Wycombe Wanderers as the club looks to expand its facilities.
While the football club insists the redevelopment will secure the long-term viability of the site, some locals and golf club representatives warn the changes will dramatically alter the character and accessibility of the club.
Golf club warns loss of nine holes could end competitive play
South Buckinghamshire Golf Club has raised serious concerns over plans that would see nine holes removed from its course, warning the move could jeopardise its official status and competitive future.
The club said the proposed reduction would leave the redesigned layout “more than likely without an official course rating any time soon”, creating significant uncertainty for members.
Without a recognised course rating, the club stressed that formal competitions and handicap-qualifying rounds would be unable to take place, effectively halting organised competitive golf.
According to BBC, Club chairman Michael Murphy revealed that members were given just six weeks’ notice that half of the course would be taken out of use.
“Last year, we were assured the site would remain open as usual during the design and planning process,” he said, expressing frustration at the sudden change in direction.
Murphy urged decision-makers to fully consider the consequences for the local sporting community before proceeding.
“We believe it is important that the impact on the established sporting community is properly taken into account before a drastic decision to let half a golf course effectively go fallow and unused is enacted,” he added.
A local taskforce also argues the green belt land between Stoke Poges and Farnham Royal plays a vital role in preventing urban sprawl and maintaining the separation between the two villages.
“A fenced professional academy complex would permanently change the character of this open land,” the group warned.
However, the club maintains that any long-term redevelopment must balance future ambitions with the preservation of its current members’ ability to compete and maintain official handicaps.
Wycombe outline redevelopment vision amid green belt concerns
Wycombe Wanderers have defended their proposed investment plans, insisting the project would “modernise the site, improve accessibility and expand opportunities for sport and community use” across both the playing fields and the golf course.
In a statement, the club confirmed it would assume responsibility for operating costs across the entire site. “As part of this arrangement, we are committing to cover the operating expenses of all the facilities on site. We can also confirm that public footpaths will remain open,” it said.
Looking ahead, and subject to planning approval and public consultation, Wycombe say they aim to introduce inclusive public amenities, including a community sports hub, multi-use 3G pitches and trim trails.
Wycombe maintains that golf participation at the site has fallen and that the current model is “no longer financially viable”.
The club proposes replacing the existing layout with a nine-hole course, describing it as “a more flexible way to play”, while also planning to add new facilities such as a driving range.
FGG Says
Reducing an 18-hole golf course to make way for a football training base may seem practical from a development perspective, but it is understandable why dedicated golfers and locals feel blindsided.
Any plan that fundamentally alters a recreational space needs proper dialogue with the people who use and cherish it, not just top-down decisions. Wycombe Wanderers’ vision for a more inclusive sports hub sounds positive on paper, but winning hearts will depend on respecting the heritage of what is already there and genuinely addressing local concerns.