Plotting the right course forward: The Northumberland Golf Club

The Northumberland Golf Club

www.thengc.co.uk
LinkedIn: Northumberland Golf Club

There is a framed photograph in the clubhouse at The Northumberland Golf Club of the then Prince of Wales lining up a putt on the 18th green in 1933.

Prior to the abdication crisis that would define his reign, the future Edward VIII’s decision to travel to Newcastle to play a course associated with Heaton-born ‘King of Swing’ James Douglas Edgar underlines just how highly regarded the club has long been.

Opened in 1896 and set within the woodland of High Gosforth Park, weaving in and out of Newcastle Racecourse, the layout has built a reputation over more than a century for its strategic challenge and championship credentials.

Today, that legacy is being carefully preserved as the club looks to evolve.

Leading that next chapter is general manager James Thomas, who was appointed in 2023 and has outlined a strategy to strengthen the club’s position by balancing investment, commercial growth and modernisation with the heritage that has long defined it.

Central to the approach is a clear philosophy around the course.

James says: “The challenge is understanding how the golf course was originally designed.

“Over time, individual ideas and standards change the playability of the golf course, and a course can lose its architectural hallmarks.

“Our job is to bring it back to its original character, ensure it stands up to the modern golfer, and to promote and preserve the principles that make British courses some of the best to play in the world.”

For James, modernisation is not about imposing change, but about restoring intent.

That balance is particularly important at Northumberland, where the course was shaped by two of golf’s most influential architects – Harry Colt and James Braid – whose work helped define the principles of course design during the sport’s formative years.

In recent years, the club has also worked with internationally renowned architect Mackenzie & Ebert to develop a long-term masterplan, providing a framework to guide improvements while respecting the course’s original identity.

James adds: “We reviewed what had been done, what hadn’t and started to implement those changes.

“It is important to get back to the original features and making sure the course plays as it was designed to.”

James, who is also a PGA professional and was previously general manager at Harrogate’s Oakdale Golf Club – where he played a central role in transforming its fortunes – has been implementing a number of changes off the golf course to lay the foundations for future success.

On arrival at Northumberland, he found a club that, despite its storied history, faced some structural and operational challenges.

James says: “Northumberland was a sleeping giant; it had all the pieces of the jigsaw required to build something truly special.”

What followed was a comprehensive reset, with governance tightened, trading improved and clearer roles and accountability introduced across the business, supported by a detailed member survey to help shape a defined direction.

Alongside this came significant investment across the course and facilities.

James adds: “It started with understanding and defining our direction, and putting the right structure in place, making sure people understood their roles and responsibilities.

“We have made a lot of tangible enhancements, including a new reception, improvements to the driving range and swing studio, greens drainage, redesigned bunkers, a new practice putting green and chipping green.

“It’s about raising standards across the board.”

A new head chef has also been recruited to elevate the clubhouse offering.

“He has been a tremendous addition to our high-performing team,” says James.

He adds: “The quality of food he can produce is exceptional – it’s not something you’d typically associate with a golf club.”

Not all the changes, however, were straightforward.

The amalgamation of the men’s and ladies’ clubs – seen as essential to modernising the club and unlocking future opportunities – proved a complex and sensitive process.

James adds: “It was absolutely the right thing to do.

“The club was already on this journey when I arrived, and I complemented the amalgamation process through to completion.

“It was a significant milestone in the club’s history.”

Beyond structural and cultural change, the focus is also on long-term sustainability.

From exploring alternative grass species to anticipating tighter environmental regulation, the aim is to ensure the club is well equipped to adapt to future challenges.

James says: “A pivotal part of my role is focusing on what the game of golf, and the club, will look like in 20 years’ time.

“There are going to be significant challenges around water use in the near future.

“We’re moving towards finer grasses that are more resilient – it’s about making sure the course is sustainable for the long-term.”

These changes have seen the club strengthen its profitability, with membership growing and a renewed sense of momentum.

James adds: “Last year, we recorded a profit, strengthened our cash flow, recruited more than 100 new members and saw strong retention at the turn of the membership year.

“That tells us we’re moving in the right direction.”

The club – which once hosted the Women’s British Open in 1981 and also served as a venue for R&A regional qualifying for The Open Championship – has also attracted a number of high-profile events in the past two years, which have elevated its profile and helped signal its ambitions for the future.

These include the Northumberland Professional Golf Championship & Pro-Am, launched in 2024, and a DP World Tour qualifying event last September – one of just 13 held globally – marking the first time such a tournament has been staged in the North East.

James says: “The aim was to put Northumberland firmly back on the map.

“Securing the DP World Tour qualifying event was a big step forward for us.

“We focused on delivering the best possible experience for the players and DP World Tour officials, and, as a result, we’ve now agreed a three-year contract, which is a fantastic milestone for the club.”

And as he looks to the future, James’ focus is on building a club that honours its past while delivering an experience that keeps members and visitors coming back.

He adds: “It’s about creating an experience that exceeds expectation.

“From the arrival at the club to the greeting, quality of the course, the clubhouse, the staff and the facilities – it’s the small details that will help differentiate us from other clubs.

“And there’s every ambition and plan to host bigger events and be recognised on the global golfing map – that’s where we’re heading.”

For more information about The Northumberland Golf Club and to learn about memberships and how to book a round of golf, visit www.thengc.co.uk.