Merrist Wood revival plans: Surrey’s closed 18-hole course could return with an academy and spa

A proposed second life for a closed Surrey course

Merrist Wood Golf Club, near Worplesdon outside Guildford in Surrey, England, could return to the golf map under a proposed redevelopment by Ultimate Golf Group II Ltd. The owners envisage more than a repaired golf course: their concept combines an updated 18-hole layout with coaching, practice, wellbeing and family facilities. Plans became public in October 2026, but the essential distinction for golfers is that there has been no confirmed planning approval or reopening date.

The exact location is Merrist Wood Golf Club, Holly Lane, Worplesdon, Guildford, GU3 3PB, United Kingdom. Guildford Borough Council received and validated application 26/S/00005 on 7 October 2026. This is a request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion, not a full application to build the project. On the council register the case remains registered, with 28 October 2026 listed as its target decision date.

Golf first, with a broader supporting offer

The central ambition is to restore a usable 18-hole, par-72 course while addressing playing-surface and drainage issues. Designed by David Williams, the original course opened in 1996. Waterlogged areas and unreliable winter conditions have been long-standing obstacles; the new concept calls for changes to course grading, turf and drainage rather than merely cosmetic improvements.

Supporting facilities would include a rebuilt clubhouse, driving range, short-game area and a dedicated golf academy, with swing-analysis studios, gym and conditioning space. A spa, wellness facilities, padel courts and guest accommodation also feature in the wider vision. Together these elements suggest a destination intended to attract learners, families and non-golfers as well as established club players.

The proposals are still preliminary, so the precise hole-by-hole design, eventual architect, construction budget and operating model should not be treated as finalised.

The environmental and planning hurdle

The property lies close to the Ash to Brookwood Heaths protected landscape, part of the wider Thames Basin Heaths conservation network. Habitat, drainage, construction traffic and other environmental impacts therefore matter to the planning process.

An EIA screening opinion establishes whether a formal environmental impact assessment will be required. It does not itself grant planning permission. A detailed application and any relevant approvals would need to follow before construction could proceed. The publicly available screening material indicates that developers intend to deal with on-site ground conditions and environmental safeguards, but the council must assess the proposal independently.

Can visitors book a round?

Not currently. Merrist Wood has been closed, and there is no verified reopening date, tee-time booking offer, green-fee schedule or future membership policy associated with this scheme. Reports of an eventual revival should not be confused with an operating public course.

The next meaningful milestone is the council's treatment of case 26/S/00005, followed, if the project progresses, by a full planning submission. Golfers should check the official planning record rather than rely on provisional opening predictions.

Reporting basis: Guildford Borough Council planning register, case 26/S/00005, received 7 October 2026; supplementary reporting published 14–19 October. Cover image shows the actual Merrist Wood course in 2010, not completed 2026 works.