In January 2024, Eastbourne Borough Council went out to tender for interested parties to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the operation of Eastbourne Downs Golf Club. In March 2024, Eastbourne Borough Council entered a period of exclusivity with its preferred operator, Get Golfing CIC. Below are some frequently asked questions about the process.

To request additional information on this page, or if you would prefer to submit your question confidentially, please contact EDGC@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

Who currently owns and operates EDGC?

Currently the clubhouse and the course in its entirety is owned and operated by Eastbourne Borough Council and their in-house teams. When the transfer to the new operator is complete, Eastbourne Borough Council will still own the site but Get Golfing CIC will operate it.

Why did the council want to change governance?

The club sits within the council’s Tourism & Culture department. Tourism has, in recent years, become an increasingly complex and diverse industry. Organisations operating within the industry need to be specialists in a whole range of skills. This increasing complexity of the industry has made it become more difficult for local authorities to maintain their position within the market, with a lack of economies of scales and inability to specialise, given the breadth of the service provision involved. A new operator will be better placed and positioned within the industry to identify and utilise these opportunities for economies of scale and have the specialisms required for the successful operation of the club.

What are the timelines?

Eastbourne Borough Council entered a period of exclusivity with Get Golfing CIC at the end of March 2024. The transfer process is underway and we are hopeful to have successfully transferred operations by 30th April 2024.

What does this mean for the existing bookings/functions that are booked in for 2024?

We will work with Get Golfing to agree the existing bookings/functions and write to those who have booked to confirm that this has happened. At this time we are unable to accept any new bookings until the rates are confirmed by the new operator.

What does this mean for my membership?

Get Golfing are intending to take over Eastbourne Downs Golf Club after the close of business on 30th April 2024. All existing members, who would like to continue as a Members of Eastbourne Downs Golf Club, need to register their interest in a new membership with Get Golfing by completing the form on this link:

https://www.getgolfing.org/eastbourne-downs/

The Get Golfing monthly fees are displayed in the Membership Benefits Section but most members are in the full/7 day category which will cost the equivalent of £70 per month. By clicking on the link, more details are available, including the different membership categories, along with a table that highlights the membership benefits and associated costs. Outside of their subscription member categories, they operate a flexible, points-based system and details of this can also be found on the link

How can I find out more information about the new operator?

You can find out all about the new operator by visiting their website: www.getgolfing.org