A successful partnership at a local golf course between Chesterfield Borough Council and Sheffield International Venues (SIV) has seen an inward investment of £170k in improvements with more to come, a 100% increase in membership and a 25 year contract for the partners.

SIV took over the operational running of Tapton Park Golf Course from Chesterfield Borough Council in April 2008.

The partnership was agreed after consulting with resident members at the Club that a number of development projects were needed to improve the player and visitor experience.

The Council, which still continues to own the golf course, entered a partnership with SIV, a non profit organisation, to operate the golf course on its behalf.

This removed the financial risk to the Council whilst at the same time providing a regular income stream.

Cllr Ray Russell, Leader at Chesterfield Borough Council said: “There is always trepidation when making changes to the delivery of Council services but the success at Tapton proves that with the right management, attitude and business plans it can reap rewards for all involved, not least the public who make regular use of the facility.”

As part of the £170k development plan significant improvements have already been made to the clubhouse, function room, locker room, ground maintenance and booking systems.

The course now opens earlier in the summer and staff have undergone extensive customer focused training to further improve the whole player and visitor experience.

Membership at the club has increased from 200 to 400 members since SIV took over and non-member use has remained stable during the past 12 months despite the recession.

Future plans include the building of a golf driving range, which planning permission is currently being applied for, and the introduction of an online booking system.

Andy Carnall, SIV’s golf manager said: “We are committed to providing members of the public with a first class golfing facility at Tapton and we’re delighted to have delivered on our initial improvement scheme and to sign up to a 25 year agreement with the Council.”

Christina Allen, Lady Captain at Tapton said: “We’ve had a very rewarding year at Tapton and the refurbishments to the clubhouse and ladies lockers are excellent. We have regular meetings with SIV which have been very productive and much has been achieved by working together.”

To contact Tapton Park Golf Course tel: 01246 239 500 or email: info@taptongolfcourse.co.uk