Golf Business News – Old Thorns sold to Dubai-based real estate company

Old Thorns Hotel & Resort, one of the South East’s most popular golf and leisure venues, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to Dubai-based real estate company Select Group. 

The 317-acre resort, which is located near the village of Liphook in East Hampshire, comprises a Peter Alliss-designed 18-hole championship golf course, a four-star 153-bedroom hotel, 25,000 square foot spa and leisure complex, and 51 self-catering apartments.

The property also includes a 3-bedroom cottage, staff accommodation (33 bedrooms), driving range, and a plot of land that has the potential to be used to develop an additional 9-hole golf course, subject to planning permission.

The resort was marketed and sold by agents HMH Golf & Leisure on behalf of Old Thorns Golf Hotel & Country Estate Limited, which lists its directors as managing director Cathal Lynch and Xiaomin Zhang.

Hampshire businessman Martin Shaw acquired the hotel in 2007 and invested in significant improvements before selling it to the UFC Chinese investment group in 2013.

“Old Thorns represents a key addition to our growing UK portfolio,” said Rahail Aslam, chairman of Select Group, a Dubai-based real estate development and investment firm specialising in hospitality, and retail. “We are focused on identifying distinctive assets in prime locations that align with our long-term vision. This resort offers exceptional potential, and we are committed to building on its legacy while elevating the overall guest experience.”

Tom Marriott, director at HMH Golf & Leisure, commented: “This is a fantastic result, once again demonstrating the strength of the UK golf market. The strong EBITDA and asset base of the property attracted seven bids.

“This is the fourth sale HMH has completed so far this year, and the second golf hotel, with six other properties currently under offer. Our market continues to be of interest to domestic and overseas investors.”