Lifestyle

How Wentworth Club’s revamp has elevated the golfing lifestyle

Words by Nathalie Grainger Bradbury

30th June 2020

From old-school country club to leading-edge country house.

When Wentworth Club, the one-time home to the extended family of the Duke of Wellington and birthplace of the Ryder Cup, unveiled its completed £20 million revamp in May 2018, it heralded a considerable new set of playing conditions for golfers and members. Improvements to the West Course and Clubhouse are making it the envy of golf clubs around the world. Given the course’s already successful reputation, this is no small achievement.

To say that players at Wentworth walk in the footsteps of golf giants is no overstatement - Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie are just a handful of stars to have played their most remarkable golf here. Set in a magnificent 700-hectare estate in the English countryside of Surrey, Wentworth’s golfing legacy is unique: it has three courses, which have each played host to some of the world's most prestigious trophies, including The Daks Tournament, British Masters, Women’s British Open, The Canada Cup, The World Match Play and of course, the BMW PGA Championships. In fact, Rory McIlroy, his peers, and Wentworth’s club members deem Wentworth’s West Course to be the most challenging of all on the circuit. Additionally, the West Course greens are one of only two Clubs in England to benefit from SubAir technology, which ingeniously controls the moisture levels, regardless of weather conditions, keeping greens firm - and fast.

Meanwhile, off-course, Wentworth’s Clubhouse, built in 1922, has undergone a no-expense-spared makeover of its own, overseen by the London-based Sloane Street studio, Thorp Design. What we see today is an elevated lifestyle concept, in which spaces are allowed to breathe; where original Art Deco elegance sits beautifully with the minimalist, contemporary features. What’s striking above all else is the light. A glass ceiling illuminates the main lounge, while the 1920s ballroom and conservatory dining room are drenched in sunlight. And those spectacular views of the grounds can be admired from vantage points all around the Club. If you rest your gaze anywhere, let it be from the outdoor terrace overlooking the 18^th hole of the East Course – you’ll know why when you see it.

What’s also been transformed is Wentworth’s membership approach: the Club has returned to an intimate, confidential member base. While some may see this as heightened exclusivity, ultimately Wentworth’s mission is to nurture a sense of warmth and familiarity; a club that connects with each and every member. It’s a much-needed antidote to fast-paced 21^st century living.

To this end, Wentworth taps into holistic wellbeing, with three pools, including one reserved for children, and a splendid 1920s outdoor pool that’s a visual treat– encircled as it is by a charming picket fence, beyond which bathers can enjoy the sweeping lawns and Clubhouse. Guests can work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, fitness studio and on the year-round tennis courts, or just be thoroughly pampered at the spa with high-performance treatments.

While Wentworth's name is synonymous with golf - and exclusivity - it also embodies the true ethos of a country club for all the family. From swimming lessons to holiday camps, a youth golf programme and a supervised crèche, children are able to enjoy Wentworth as much as their parents. A rare treat for golf enthusiasts who don’t much care for leaving loved ones out of the fun. The home-from-home experience continues in style, as you’d expect, with dining options that include The Dining Room, a quintessentially British restaurant with a modern menu; The Conservatory, an all-day dining brasserie-style space; the Club Lounge perfect for Afternoon Tea and post-dinner drinks; the glamorous Club Bar, and the Burma Bar, which is the hub of the Club’s social scene.

But if the golf season slows as the days grow shorter, Wentworth certainly doesn’t.

When it comes to creating memorable and unique events, Wentworth has been working hard for its members. In the build-up to Christmas, look out for a private concert with an ensemble from the London Symphony Orchestra, to be held in the ballroom of the Clubhouse, and a Dom Perignon tasting and dinner. There are fascinating evenings scheduled too; one in the company of AP McCoy, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, who just happens to be the finest jockey to have ever ridden over jumps.

If you spend your time in the City of London during the week, and miss the tranquillity of Wentworth, then know that Wentworth members get to enjoy complimentary membership to Ten Trinity Square private members club. The club boasts a unique partnership with Château Latour, a cigar smoking room, as well as access to the Four Seasons spa and pool facilities, in the adjoining hotel in the same building. Wentworth even offers a private Rolls-Royce escort between the two clubs.

Feeling in the Ryder Cup mood? Why not contact your Lifestyle Manager to find out how to make the very best of Wentworth’s life-enhancing membership. Debenture Membership price on application. Limited Memberships available.

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