Welcome to the Bondhay Golf Club Newsletter for October and November 2025. As this is published, we’ve entered the autumn maintenance week for the Devonshire Course with coring and plenty more going on. It has been a busy summer at the Club with plenty going on across the golf, hospitality and events aspects of the business, so thank you.
Membership numbers continue to grow, particularly across the Full 7 Day and Associate categories, with plenty of new faces calling Bondhay their home. We’re proud to offer a number of different memberships to suit everyone’s individual requirements and we are always happy to discuss bespoke or flexible membership — including corporate if you’re part of a business or organisation. If you’re thinking about joining, a reminder that we do not charge a joining fee, so the rate you see is the rate you pay with no hidden charges. Selected membership types are also eligible to split their membership into three equal instalments to spread the cost (terms and conditions, and admin fee applies).
Thank you to everyone that has chosen to renew their membership over the last couple of months and those that intend to do so over the coming months. At the time of writing, October renewals have gone out and November’s will follow shortly.
As touched on in our last update, the Trackman Range is also busier this year with greater usage particularly by visiting golfers and people that live in the local communities. We are currently exploring a loyalty scheme for pay-and-play range sessions and also the possibility of introducing a driving range membership, either purely for this facility and/or as a course membership add-on. More details will be communicated as-and-when-and-if they’re decided.
The courses and Club in general seem to be getting some really good feedback at the moment which is a testament to the greens team out on the grass, and the Pro Shop and Bar teams inside — the rain and colder temps have to take some credit, too. Any less-positive feedback or constructive criticism is always taken on board and actioned where necessary, but please go about in the right way. Whilst we may not always agree, you will always be listened to.
Rumours
It has been brought to our attention that a number of people are circulating speculation that Bondhay is entering administration. For the avoidance of doubt, this IS NOT the case and we are continuing to invest in the future of the business.
Bondhay Golf Club has been operated by Bondhay Golf Club Ltd since 2023 and still remains in the family that has had the Club for the last 30+ years. The previous operating company, Nationwide Leisure Ltd, is indeed being wound down following the forced retirement of our unwell father and grandfather Alan. This could well be what is causing some confusion. The Club will always remain his legacy.
The false information is incredibly damaging and no doubt casts uncertainty in the minds of our colleagues, members, and those who have future bookings with us either for societies, weddings or other events.
We’re here to stay and always striving to make Bondhay the best it has ever been – and we’ll hope you’ll join us for the journey.
Christmas & New Year
The festive season is less than three months away and always proves a popular time for winter golf amongst our members and visitors. Christmas and New Year rates and offers will be published in the coming week or two. Last year we asked for a small full refundable deposit on just two keys dates, which was met with some ambiguity. We are so often met with moans and groans about people taking up times and cancelling tee times at short notice, so if we do enforce this again, it is entirely with the intention of keeping booking fair on some of the busiest and most sought after days of the year.
Theft & Security
In September, we had a number of items stolen from our Greenkeeping shed. The incident happened during the limited time that our driveway height barrier was out of action for repair (again), so allowed the perpetrators to enter the premises with a high-sided van. This was reported to the police with some footage of the suspects, but as yet there’s been no results.
We had a already put a number of additional security measures around the site anyway following the visit by travellers last year, but this has meant a further tightening of procedures and investment in security. Additional CCTV has been installed in and around the Greenkeeping Shed and kitchen/bar delivery area. Access gates and bollards will be locked more regularly throughout the day, and access codes have been changed on the lock to the height barrier. A number of members had previously been issued with the height barrier code, but this will no longer be permitted and people in high-sided vehicles will need to seek access by calling the Pro Shop on arrival and departure. Whilst we understand it’s not always possible, please try and come in an access-friendly vehicle to avoid delays. The lift barrier to the car park will see the departure code changed more frequently.
Memberships & Green Fees
As we approach 2026, we naturally have to review all aspects of the business, including green fee rates, membership tariffs, range prices and everything in between. It is our intention to freeze rates at current prices, but it will be reviewed properly by the Management team in the coming weeks.
Opening & Operations
The shorter days sadly mean less daylight for golf through the winter. The Pro Shop and Range are currently unaffected, but weekend opening will likely move back to 7am instead of 6am late October or early November. The bar and kitchen has always had quite flexible times, shifting with the demand of customers – and with that, it’ll naturally close earlier during the winter as darkness often means no golfers or other customers. Unless for matches or societies demanding earlier, we’ll be opening the bar at 10am on Mondays and Tuesdays (and Wednesdays from November) and the usual 7am at weekends.
Our aim is to utilise the Range-side bar during the winter months to be able to offer greater access to refreshments and snacks. This will likely see the Pro Shop ‘move’ in there from a certain time each day. The logisitics are yet to be figured out and we’ll communicate any changes in due course.
Clubhouse
If you’re a regular user or visitor of the clubhouse bar and restaurant, you’ll have likely noticed by now that our new blue chairs has thinned out significantly. This is owing to a defect with the chairs and a long-running standoff with the supplier. They have finally admitted fault and agreed to replace them with something less likely to find you in a bundle on the floor. We’re finalising details with them on that and then hopefully taking delivery of new seats as soon as possible.
Private Buggy Hire
Owing to the ever-increasing number of private buggy breakdowns on the course over the past year, we have had to bring in a new charge of £75 for the recovery of private vehicles from the course. The use of private buggies on the course is free of charge, but breakdown and recovery often takes multiple greenkeepers (or Shop staff) away from their jobs for various periods of time, with an expectation of recovery. There is no charge for the recovery of Bondhay’s own buggies as they have had a hire fee paid.
Events
A number of fantastic charity days and private events have taken place at the Club over the summer, including the first ‘Chappies Golf’ event which took on a LIV Golf-inspired approach. They even got Red Bull to sponsor the event – a great achievement! We endeavour to source courtesy rounds at other clubs for members when private events are taking place at Bondhay that result in a course closure. Courtesies are usually available on a first-come first-served basis, but please speak to the Pro Shop if you’re looking for a round and they may be able to help. We’re also more than happy for any members to utilise the Academy Course at no extra cost when these type of events are on.
Signage & Sponsorship
Despite many updates and promises in the past half-year (I’m fed up of talking about it myself), the new hole signage is in the process of being installed. This is a great time for businesses of all shapes and sizes to sponsor a hole. Prices are very competitive and include artwork, print and a number of free rounds of golf. Your advertising will be seen by thousands of visitors every year (and sometimes a month) and the thousands of visitors each month on the partners page of our website. Contact Josh on marketing@bondhaygolfclub.com for more.
Pro Shop Voucher System
Anyone that’s got a voucher account at the Club knows that the system needs an overhaul. We know that a handful of members would like the use of their voucher account across both the Pro Shop and Bar, but the financial and time investment needed to upgrade the system unfortunately isn’t a priority at this time. That being said, we’re working with BRS Golf to explore their POS system for the Shop which may bring that a step closer with integration in your BRS Golf App via Wallets. Sticking with vouchers, we’re currently reviewing policy around their use. Many courses allow for vouchers to remain on the system for a period of 12 months otherwise they are removed. The amount of accounts that sit untouched or accruing ever-greater totals increases the debt burden on the Club..
Booking Rights
A reminder that Members of all types get 10 day booking rights for both weekdays and weekends, ahead of visitors who get 7 days. Bookings can be made via your BRSGolf App or via the Pro Shop. As has been communicated numerous times in the past, block bookings are not permitted unless you are able to populate the tee-times with names of all playing members. Times populated without names will be removed from the system. This is to ensure fairness for all members to have a chance at playing key times, particularly weekends. Unused tee-times can be used by visitors. Tee times lost at short notice mean lost revenue for the Club, opportunities for which reduce as we go into the winter months with shorter days.
Other Updates
Due to a number of failed payments, cheques are no longer accepted as payment for memberships, societies or events. We do not offer cash back on credit/debit card payments either.
The addition of barista coffee in the bar is proving ever-popular, particularly as the weather starts to turn. The team are keeping us fuelled with all manner of seasonal drinks, most recently the introduction of matcha and pumpkin spice. We’re looking to introduce a loyalty card for barista drinks, giving regular users the opportunity to get a bit back in free caffeine.
With this edition of the newsletter covering November, it comes the time to say a huge thank you to our outgoing Club Captain Mark Highfield. Mark, alongside his wife Diane and many others, have put a huge amount of effort into making his captaincy year a memorable one, including fundraising for two great local charities. We look forward to continuing seeing Mark around the Club as he enjoys his ‘retirement’. And with one coming to the end of their reign, another must take their place. As of November 1st, we welcome current Vice Captain Shane Turner to the position of Club Captain. Shane will be joined by new Vice Captain Chris Bowler. Best of luck to both gentlemen and we look forward to working with them closely.
Recently, a couple of discriminatory comments were directed towards a member of our bar team. All members must accept our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Guidelines on applying for or renewing a membership, so we’d kindly remind you to ensure you are being respectful to all of our colleagues. The ED&I Policy can be viewed on our website.
As always, thank you for continued custom at Bondhay. Our door is always open to any feedback, questions and suggestions.
Josh Clarke - Operations Director
Firstly well done to all the players who qualified, competed and attended the Champions of Champions presentation. As always this is a tough one to win but Richard Ellin dug deep and showed great endeavour. Congratulations on a great performance. I will ensure the honours boards are updated in due course for all Champions.
The 2025 golf season has now come to an end and we look forward to the winter merit competitions and other planned events. The winter spell gives the Committee the opportunity to plan for next year and agree the Fixture Calendar for 2026.
We will also arrange an AGM in November thus giving all members a chance to ask questions and contribute ideas towards the club.
Captain’s Away Day
Thank you to all 36 golfers who travelled to Springwater Golf Club for the event. It’s was a day of fine hospitality and enjoyable golf on an excellent course.
Team Captains
On a personal note thank you to Greg Masters, Andy Hunt and Mick Yeend as the team captains and their players during my captaincy. As always at Bondhay we strive “to be the best we can be” and 2025 was no exception. On a further note we are looking for a scratch team captain for 2026 to run the squad, so if you are interested please speak to Barry or myself.
Captain’s Charity
I can honestly say Diane and I have put our hearts into raising money for our chosen charities of Rain Rescue and Thornberry Animal Sanctuary. We expect to raise over £3,500 in total. This unbelievable amount of money is down to every single member, Bondhay management and friends who attended and contributed towards these fantastic charities at various events. Thank you so much, you are all generous, kind people.
Captain’s Handover
On the first of November Shane Turner will take over the Club Captaincy assisted by his Vice Captain Chris Bowler. I have had the pleasure of knowing both gentlemen for the last 15 years and I couldn’t think of two more worthy Club Captains at Bondhay. Good luck to you both.
To conclude a big thank you to everybody at Bondhay Golf Club including members, management and staff for your support over the last year. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be Club Captain of Bondhay Golf Club. It’s been an honour.
Mark Highfield - 2025 Club Captain
Firstly, I’d like to extend a big thank you to our outgoing captain, Mark Highfield, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to Bondhay Golf Club. A special mention also goes to his wife, Diane, whose tireless support at numerous events helped raise funds for their chosen charities—your efforts have truly made a difference.
For those who don’t know me, I’m a local lad—born in Whitwell and now living in Clowne. Married to Debbie, two children one granddaughter and two step grandchildren along with two grand dogs. I took up golf around 32 years ago, originally thinking I’d retire from football at 35… that plan got delayed until I was 52! My first set of left-handed clubs came from the Bondhay Pro Shop for just £27, and I spent countless hours honing my game on the par 3 course. I even remember the day the trees were delivered—though in hindsight, I should’ve pinched a few to slow down the planting!
My chosen charity for the year is a deeply meaningful one: The Tom Henson Charity.
Tom Henson, from Bolsover, tragically passed away at just 23 while playing football with work colleagues at Gosforth Fields in Dronfield on July 31st, 2018. A passionate Sheffield United supporter and keen gym-goer, Tom suffered a cardiac arrest due to an undiagnosed congenital heart condition. Despite the heroic efforts of his friends, coaches, first responders, ambulance crews, and the A&E team at Sheffield Northern General Hospital, Tom sadly passed away.
In his memory, Tom’s family and friends launched a campaign to install defibrillators across Bolsover and surrounding areas—giving others the best possible chance of survival. I hope that through my captaincy, we can raise funds to support this vital cause and help protect lives in our community.
I’m also proud to announce my Vice Captain, Chris Bowler—a true Bondhay stalwart who’s been with the club since its inception. Chris has played in every team over the years and genuinely has Bondhay at heart.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead, supporting our members and teams to the best of my ability. If you have any suggestions or ideas and can’t reach the management team, I’ll be more than happy to take them forward on your behalf.
Here’s to a fantastic year together—on and off the course.
Shane Turner - Current Vice Captain & Incoming Club Captain
