Investment at Westerham
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF WESTERHAM
A long-term commitment to improving the course, facilities and golfing experience
Westerham Golf Club is in the midst of the most significant period of investment in its history.
Over the past 5 years, we have invested extensively across the golf course, clubhouse and wider facilities, with a clear long-term objective: to create a better golf course, improve playing conditions, and enhance the golfing experience for all.
This is not a single investment project. It is an ongoing programme of improvements, with major projects already completed, significant work currently underway and further investment planned for the years ahead.
From extensive tree management and bunker redevelopment to 10 new tees, more than four miles of resurfaced paths, a 15-bay Toptracer driving range and a new irrigation system representing a total investment of over £3 million, Westerham is continuing to evolve.
The result is a golf course and venue that is becoming increasingly attractive to all golfers, whether they are existing members, visitors, societies, or corporate and wellbeing days.
The investment is paying off, with Westerham named as the no.1 most played course in England by I Golfers in 2025.
Woodland MANAGEMENT
A course that continues to evolve
Our tree management programme has been running for several years, carefully opening up areas of the course that had become heavily overgrown and allowing Westerham’s natural landscape to come back to the forefront.
Over the last five years, extensive areas of pine woodland have been uncovered that were previously hidden amongst broadleaf trees and undergrowth. The work has opened up new views, widened playing corridors to provide a fairer test of golf, and allowed significantly more light and airflow onto the golf course.
This is particularly important for turf health. Increased light and air movement around the playing surfaces helps create stronger, healthier turf and improves the conditions in which the course can be maintained.
The result is a more open, visually appealing and healthier golf course, while retaining and enhancing the natural character of Westerham.
The programme has been developed with the support of our specialist forestry consultant John Nicholson, who brings extensive experience of woodland management and golf course environments. John has consulted at some of the UK’s most prestigious courses, such as Sunningdale & St George’s Hill.
The woodland management work at Westerham has been carried out by specialist forestry contractor Woodland Thinnings, working alongside our greenkeeping team to deliver the programme carefully and sustainably.
BUNKER INVESTMENT
Improving the strategy, presentation, and playability of the course
Our bunker improvement programme is another major part of the ongoing investment in the golf course.
Some bunkers had become largely out of play or no longer contributed positively to the strategy of the holes. Rather than simply maintaining them, we have taken the opportunity to reassess their position, shape and purpose.
Each bunker is being rebuilt using a combination of EcoLiner, Ecoturf rivetted faces, and China Clay sand. The EcoLiner provides a durable lining system that helps protect the bunker structure, reduces contamination from the surrounding soil and vegetation, and helps maintain consistent bunker conditions over time.
Eco turf rivetted faces are then installed to create clean, well-defined bunker edges and improve the presentation of the course, while China Clay sand (white ‘Augusta’ sand), provides a consistent playing surface with excellent drainage characteristics.
Bunker renovations on nine holes have already been completed, with the remaining bunker works scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2026.
TEN NEW TEEING AREAS
Better playing surfaces, in play year round
As part of the ongoing investment in the golf course, 10 new tees have now been completely rebuilt across Westerham, including all of our par-three tees.
The new tees provide larger, improved playing surfaces that can be used throughout the year, helping to maintain a consistently high standard of presentation and playability.
The larger surfaces provide greater flexibility for tee positions and help distribute wear more effectively, while the improved construction provides flatter, more consistent surfaces from which to play.
The investment is particularly important on the par-three holes, where maintaining grass coverage through the winter months had historically been challenging. The new tees provide more resilient playing surfaces that are better able to withstand wear and maintain their condition throughout the year.
The result is a better experience from the very start of each hole, with golfers benefiting from higher-quality, more consistent teeing areas throughout the course.
The project was undertaken with the input of course architect Alan Walker, ensuring the new tees complement the wider strategy, character and development of the golf course.
COURSE TRANSFORMATIONS
1st - Before and After
12th - Before and After
12th & 13th - Before and After
15th & 16th - Before and After
11th - Before and After
17th - Before and After
RENOVATION OF THE ORIGINAL PATHS
Improving year-round access for buggy users and all golfers
More than four miles of existing paths have been extensively upgraded and resurfaced across the course.
The resurfaced paths provide smooth, durable surfaces for both walking and buggy use, significantly improving accessibility and making the course easier and more enjoyable to navigate throughout the year.
One of the most important benefits is the ability to use buggies 12 months of the year.
The path network provides reliable year-round routes, helping protect the golf course itself from unnecessary traffic during wetter periods.
The resurfaced paths have also made a significant difference to the overall appearance of the golf course. Their clean and consistent finish complements the surrounding landscape and creates a more polished presentation throughout the course.
A LONG-TERM DESIGN VISION
Working with Alan Walker
Throughout the investment programme, Westerham has been fortunate to have the continued input and guidance of course architect Alan Walker, who has worked with us on the majority of our course design and improvement projects.
Alan’s understanding of the golf course has been invaluable as we have considered how Westerham can evolve while retaining the character and natural qualities that make the course distinctive.
Alan Walker is a prominent PGA Master Professional, past Captain of the Professional Golfers’ Association (1999–2001), and a qualified golf course architect belonging to the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA).
THE NEXT MAJOR PROJECT
A £1M investment in a completely new irrigation system
Why is this so important?
One of the biggest investments in Westerham’s history is now about to begin.
Ahead of the main installation, we have already invested in a new, larger irrigation storage tank and upgraded pumping equipment, providing the foundations for the new system.
The main irrigation installation will commence in November 2026 and will be delivered in two phases, completing in November 2027.
The new system represents an investment of more than £1 million and will transform our ability to manage water across the golf course.
For the first time, the new system will provide irrigation to the fairways, alongside significantly upgraded irrigation across tees, approaches and greens.
This is a major piece of course infrastructure and will make a substantial difference to the overall condition of the course.
The summers we are experiencing are becoming increasingly challenging for golf courses.
The exceptionally dry conditions experienced in recent summers have demonstrated just how quickly prolonged periods without significant rainfall can affect playing surfaces.
The new irrigation system will give our greenkeeping team far greater control over water application, allowing water to be delivered accurately and efficiently to the areas that need it.
Rather than relying heavily on rainfall and existing irrigation infrastructure, the team will be able to manage moisture levels across much larger areas of the golf course.
The benefits will be particularly noticeable during prolonged dry periods, helping to maintain healthier turf, stronger playing surfaces and more consistent conditions.
The result will be a golf course that is considerably more resilient to extreme weather and better able to maintain its condition throughout the season.
This is an investment not just for next summer, but for the sustainable future of Westerham.
TOPTRACER DRIVING RANGE
A better practice experience
Our investment in the driving range has significantly enhanced the way golfers can practice and enjoy their golf. The range has been developed to provide 15 Toptracer bays, bringing some of the latest golf technology to Westerham.
Toptracer uses camera-based technology to track the golf ball and provide detailed information including:
- Ball speed
- Distance
- Spin rate
- Height
- Side spin
- Ball flight
The information is displayed directly at the bay, allowing golfers to understand their shots, practise with greater purpose and make the range a much more engaging part of their visit to Westerham.
TopTracer provides an enhanced facility for golf societies, corporate days, events and group bookings. The range has also been increasingly busy with tuition sessions, beginner programmes and wellbeing days, helping us introduce more people to golf in a relaxed and welcoming environment. For more information on our golf day packages click here.
INVESTING IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Improving the experience beyond the golf course
Investment has not been limited to the course.
In 2025 the main golfer bar was refurbished, including the installation of huge 6m bifold doors opening the space onto the patio and creating a much stronger connection between the clubhouse and the golf course.
The bar was rebuilt and enlarged, creating additional capacity and an extra point of sale to help improve service during busy periods.
An additional large screen provides a dedicated space for major sporting events, while the clubhouse can also accommodate Gamebook scoring and other technology used during golf days and events.
These improvements are designed to make Westerham a better place to spend time, whether golfers have just finished a round, are attending a society or corporate day, watching sport or simply enjoying the clubhouse.
INVESTMENT RECOGNISED
Golf News - September 2025
Westerham’s investment programme was featured in Golf News in September 2025, highlighting the club’s approach to improving the course and facilities.
The feature provides an independent look at the investment taking place at Westerham and the long-term vision behind the programme.
