Member Update 24.02.26

Member 12 Hole Update

Recap
The move to a 12-hole layout was announced in April 2025, followed by three member forums, three greenkeeper updates and four new hole walk-arounds.

To summarise, hole changes include the removal of current holes 6 and 7 from play, with future plans for those holes still to be confirmed. 5 new holes will come into play, and the layout of the current course will change to hole 3 becoming 8, 4 becoming 9, 5 becoming 10, 8 becoming 11 and 9 becoming 12. 

Measurement, Rating and Scorecards
Course measurement has now been completed by ClereGolf with pinpoint accuracy. Each hole was measured from a permanent marker and all tees were measured on each hole allowing for future flexibility.

The next step is for Wiltshire Golf to rate the holes. We have a date in the diary for March, weather depending. Once achieved, course ratings take approx. 4 weeks to be processed and finalised. In the meantime, we are working closely with them to establish pars, stroke indexes and local rules. We are also in the process of designing new signage and scorecards.

Course ratings currently only exist for 9 or 18 holes, meaning the 12-hole format is not yet recognised by R&A and USGA. Scorecards will therefore be produced for both 12-hole and 9/18-hole formats across four tee sets.

Rounds & Competitions

A standard round of golf moving forward will be 12 holes. Permissible scoring under WHS will be:

• 9-hole General Play (GP) cards and competitions 
• 18-hole GP
• 18-hole Acceptable Scoring (AS) competitions
• 12-hole AS competitions - expected scores applied to holes 13-18 to make up an 18-hole total
• For 18-hole competitions and rounds, members will play first 9 holes twice, missing out holes 10,11 & 12
• For general play and 9-hole competitions, members will play 12 holes but only the first 9 will count for handicap purposes
• Unable at this time to do 12 hole general play acceptable scores

Appreciate some have asked if it’s possible to play from different tees over 18 holes. To start with, let’s get used to the new course and tee positions. A composite course may be introduced in future based on player feedback.

Tees and Equality
There will be four tee sets. In summer these will be white, yellow and red, and in winter blue and red. All tees will be gender neutral to promote equity and equality.

Booking System
We will continue with Intelligent Golf as our booking provider. Standard bookings will be for 12 holes. Members wishing to book 18 holes can do so as they currently do online, and play the first 9 holes twice and missing holes 10 to 12 (option to play 12 holes plus extra holes after also an option too). Further logistical and booking details will be shared with members closer to opening date.

Next Steps
The opening date for the new holes to be confirmed once course rating and weather conditions allow. At present, we are aiming for 1st May opening to tie in with the start of the membership year. We will issue Membership Renewals at the end of March/ early  April. We will be hosting a Spring Member Meet too (date tbc). The timeline and opening date remain dependent on weather and course rating completion.

New Adventure Golf Proposal at Basset Down

We also want to share an update about a proposed new activity at Basset Down Complex.

A private company, Sonder Sports, has submitted a planning application to Wiltshire Council for an 18‑hole outdoor adventure golf course and additional parking on the grass area near the existing putting green and car park. If approved, Sonder Sports would fully fund the project (meaning no financial risk to our business), similar to our successful partnership with Padel4All.

Our team would run its day-to-day operations, and we are looking at the possibility of an additional and separate ‘check-in’ area for footgolf, disc golf and adventure golf during peak times to avoid congestion in the clubhouse (e.g. summer holidays).

Key points:

• This proposal is completely separate from last year’s decision to move to a 12‑hole golf course. It would not be located on any current golf course land and the reasons behind the 12‑hole change remain unchanged.
• The adventure golf footprint is similar in size to the existing padel courts, with low-profile structures (under 1.7 m), subtle lighting, sculptural landscaping and an all‑weather, artificial grass base for year‑round use.
• The 18 themed holes are designed to reflect local landmarks and natural features and will include gentle water features and sculptures.
• Our objective is to broaden the site’s appeal by encouraging families, juniors and new visitors to experience golf-related activities, in turn strengthening coaching, practice opportunities and overall use of the site.
• This addition would also complement our existing mix of activities (golf, footgolf, disc golf, Toptracer range, padel, food, functions and events) and reinforce Basset Down’s reputation as a multi-activity, family friendly and community destination for all ages and abilities

If planning permission is granted, the aim is to open the adventure golf facility this summer. Padel4All have also recently submitted a separate planning application for two additional courts and extra parking, reflecting growing local interest in our facilities.

Further updates about this project will be shared as/when we’re in a position to do so. Please contact Rosie at manager@basset-down.com or Juliette on jn@basset-down.com if you have any questions.

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