Half a century has elapsed since golfing maestro Henry Cotton redesigned the 18-hole scenic downland course at Sene Valley Golf Club, in Hythe, Kent.
Investing in the future
Since then a rolling programme of reinvestment has created some of the finest putting surfaces in the region, amid glorious views over the English Channel to the French coast.
This thriving private members club, now at near capacity and attracting a host of younger players, ensures its 1960s clubhouse moves with the times to provide attractive modern provision that is a lure for societies and its loyal following alike.
Crown Sports Lockers refurbished the men’s changing rooms with stylish oak lockers and seating a decade ago, returning in 2017 to help the club celebrate its 50th milestone by bringing the ladies’ area bang up to scratch as well.
Lady Captain Frances Edwardes project managed the transformation from a cramped room stacked with yellow hand-painted steel lockers to a new larger brighter changing room featuring light oak furnishings including golf bag and holdall lockers, wardrobe hanging space, upholstered seating with shoe storage, mirrors, vanities, noticeboard and even a purpose-built cupboard for a computer.
Final impressions
After going out to tender, Sene Valley selected Crown once more for the ladies fitout and the project seems to have gone down a treat.
“Members are over the moon,” exclaims Frances. “When they first saw the room, their reaction was `Wow, what a change from the old metal lockers’. Locker rentals have been snapped up and the large lockers easily accommodate golf bags without snagging them.”
The vision was to fashion a “warm welcoming environment” with the degree of privacy members demand. Focusing on spatial efficiency, Crown positioned some lockers so they would shield those changing from being seen when entrance doors opened.
Adding flair to the interiors, Frances specified distinctive blinds featuring local wildlife – deer, partridge, rabbits and foxes – distinctive floral fronds and a pink orchid, while diamante mirror surrounds add a `bling` fun touch.
“I cannot fault Crown’s fast, flexible and professional service,” says Frances. Sam [Palmer, dedicated project manager] helped make the best use of the available space and was happy to amend certain elements of the plans.
Everything ran like clockwork with minimal disruption. We feel the changing room belongs to us now.
Golf Club Manager Tony Marsh adds: “The new ladies changing area marks a major step up in our clubhouse provision and is already making its mark on society days, when visiting golfers often remark on how much they enjoy playing here.”