Bridge Project Fundraising - WHITBY GOLF CLUB

Connecting Our Community for Future Generations

The Bridge Project is about far more than replacing a bridge. It is about reconnecting people with sport, improving accessibility, encouraging healthier lifestyles, protecting an important part of Whitby's sporting heritage and creating a lasting community asset for future generations.

A Landmark Lost – A New Opportunity

For more than a century, Whitby Golf Club has welcomed golfers to one of the most spectacular coastal courses in the country.

Today, we're embarking on the biggest fundraising project in our recent history — one that will safeguard the future of the Club while making it more accessible, inclusive and sustainable for generations to come.

For decades, the bridge spanning Upgang Beck ravine was one of the defining features of Whitby Golf Club. Following extensive structural inspections and professional advice, it was determined that the bridge had reached the end of its safe working life. The structure was carefully dismantled in 2025, with environmental specialists helping to ensure the surrounding landscape and wildlife were protected throughout the process.
Although losing the bridge changed the course playing experience, it also created an opportunity to build something even better.

Donate to our Crowdfunder here

Why a New Bridge Matters

The replacement bridge will improve how the golf course can be enjoyed.

Designed to accommodate golf club buggies and personal ride-on buggies, the
new bridge will allow many more people to experience the complete course.
For many golfers, particularly older players or those living with mobility challenges, the steep ravine currently poses accessibility issues.
The new bridge removes that barrier.
The project will help:
* Improve accessibility for golfers of all ages and abilities
* Enable buggy users to complete the full course safely
* Encourage people returning after illness or injury to remain active
* Improve course maintenance and operational efficiency
* Future-proof Whitby Golf Club for decades to come

More Than Golf

Golf is one of the few sports people can enjoy throughout their lives.

It combines gentle physical activity with the proven mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, social interaction and regular exercise.
Research has shown golf can help improve cardiovascular health, balance, mobility, wellbeing and overall quality of life.
By improving accessibility, the Bridge Project will enable more people to continue enjoying these benefits regardless of age or physical ability.

Investing in Young People

Whitby Golf Club's Junior Section continues to flourish.

Thanks to our dedicated Junior Committee, volunteers and PGA Professional James Ellis-Caird, more young people than ever are discovering the game through coaching, competitions and our Junior Academy.
The Club recently hosted its first Faldo Futures qualifying event, giving local juniors the opportunity to compete in a nationally recognised competition for the first time.
Providing a safe, accessible and modern golf course is an investment in these young people and the future of our Club.

A Community Project

Whitby Golf Club operates as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), our CASC is not VAT registered. This allows us to keep membership costs noticeably lower than many comparable clubs, ensuring our community enjoys meaningful savings while supporting accessible amateur sport. As a result, the replacement bridge will be funded through a combination of donations, grants, corporate sponsorship and community fundraising.
Funding will come from a combination of:
* Public donations
* Business partnerships
* Grant funding
* Charitable trusts
* Community fundraising
* Corporate sponsorship
* Private philanthropy
Every contribution, regardless of size, will move the project one step closer to becoming reality.

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Local Expertise Building the Whitby Golf Club Bridge Project

Whitby Golf Club is proud that the project is being delivered with the support of outstanding local businesses and specialist partners.
The bridge has been designed by development partner SHS Bridges & Structures, the specialist bridge division of Sarum Hardwood Structures, bringing extensive experience in bespoke bridge design.
The project is also benefiting from the expertise of trusted local architectural design company BHD Design. Together, they are helping create a bridge that complements its spectacular coastal setting while delivering modern standards of safety, accessibility and durability.

Respecting Nature and Heritage at Whitby Golf Club Bridge Project

The bridge sits within one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of the course. Throughout the project, Whitby Golf Club has worked closely with environmental specialists, including the Whitby Naturalists' Society, ensuring the protected flora and fauna surrounding Upgang Beck continue to be respected. The new bridge will preserve an important part of the Club's heritage while securing its future

How You Can Help the Bridge Project at Whitby Golf Club

Everyone can play a part.
Whether you're a member, visitor, local resident or business owner, there are many ways to support the campaign.
You can:
* Make a financial donation
* Sponsor part of the project
* Become a Business Partner
* Take part in fundraising events
* Purchase a commemorative Bridge Supporter tile (coming soon)
* Organise your own fundraiser
* Introduce potential supporters or charitable trusts
Every gift will help create a lasting legacy.

Visit Our Bridge Project Display at the Clubhouse

Our project display is now available to view inside the Whitby Golf Club clubhouse.

Visitors can explore:
* The bridge designs
* Project plans
* Timescales
* Artist impressions
* Fundraising opportunities
* Ways to support the campaign
Members of the project team will also be available at various times throughout the campaign to answer questions.
Everyone is welcome.

Looking Ahead to Building a New Bridge

Subject to planning permission and the successful completion of the fundraising campaign, construction is expected to begin within the next twelve months.

The Bridge Project is not simply about reconnecting two sides of a golf course.
It is about connecting people with opportunity.
Connecting young people with sport.
Connecting older generations with active lifestyles.
Connecting visitors with one of Yorkshire's finest golf courses.
Connecting our community for generations to come.

Support the Whitby Golf Club Bridge Project

Support the Bridge Project

Every donation makes a difference.

To discuss donations, sponsorship or philanthropic support, please contact:
Ian Suckling
Bridge Project Lead
Email: fundraising@whitbygolfclub.co.uk
Online donations and Crowdfunder details will be available shortly.

Thank you for helping shape the future of Whitby Golf Club.

Last updated: 23 Aug 2026 12:50