EFL club sparks outrage with plan to slash iconic British golf course in half
Wycombe Wanderers have sparked controversy with their proposal to transform a historic golf course into the League One side’s new training base.
The club intends to move from its existing Marlow Road facilities to South Buckinghamshire Golf Club, previously known as Stoke Park.
The site holds a special place in cinema history as the location where the 1964 James Bond classic Goldfinger was shot, featuring the memorable scene in which 007 takes on villain Auric Goldfinger on the fairways.
An agreement has been reached with Buckinghamshire Council to reduce the course from 18 holes to just nine.
Wycombe Wanderers maintain the arrangement will enable them to modernise the venue whilst generating fresh opportunities for both sporting activities and local residents.
The football club has pledged to fund all operational costs at the facility as part of the lease terms.
In their official statement, the club confirmed: “As part of this arrangement, we are committing to cover the operating expenses of all the facilities on site.
“We can also confirm that public footpaths will remain open.”
Wycombe Wanderers have sparked controversy with their proposal to transform a historic golf course into the League One side’s new training base
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Looking ahead, Wanderers have outlined ambitions to develop inclusive public amenities, pending planning approval and community consultation.
These include a sports hub, artificial 3G pitches and trim trails.
The proposals have drawn criticism from The Stoke Poges Task Force, a local community organisation that argues halving the golf course diminishes residents’ access to affordable sporting facilities.
Golf club chairman Michael Murphy has also voiced concerns about how the transition is being handled, noting that members received only six weeks’ warning to adjust to the forthcoming changes.
The football club has pledged to fund all operational costs at the facility as part of the lease terms
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The short notice period has added to tensions surrounding the deal, with affected golfers given limited time to make alternative arrangements before the course is reduced to accommodate the football club’s training requirements.
Murphy told The Bucks Herald: “We believe it is important that the impact on the established sporting community is properly taken into account before a drastic decision to let half a golf course effectively go fallow and unused is enacted.
“Last year we were assured that the site would remain ‘open as usual’ during the design and planning process.
“Reducing the course from 18 holes to nine holes and removing relevant framework for golfers cannot reasonably be described as operating as usual.”
Wanderers defended their investment
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Wanderers defended their investment, saying it would bring “financial stability” amid declining course use.
They said: “The aim is to revitalise the course and broaden participation, making it more flexible, inclusive and attractive to families, young people, casual golfers and experienced players alike.
“Over recent years, the course has seen declining usage and has become financially unviable to operate in its current form.
“We want to bring financial stability and ensure that golf remains an active and sustainable part of this site for generations to come.”
