MAIDENHEAD Golf Club’s bid to purchase a nearby golf course has been rejected as it loses out in the bidding war.

John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has announced Safegolf Ltd as the preferred owner for Winter Hill Golf Club in Cookham.

Maidenhead Golf Club (MGC) has been in “advanced talks” with JLP to acquire the site in order to move its operations there after its lease at its current site ends by the end of 2025 to make way for up to 1,800 homes.

MGC chairman Paul Louden has repeatedly said that this is the club’s “last chance for survival”.

READ MORE: Maidenhead Golf Club has 'last chance for survival'

While Safegolf Ltd will own the site, it will allow the specialist golf charity - Get Golfing - to run the club under a long-term lease.

Incorporated in 2018 with the objective of increasing participation in golf, Get Golfing has grown steadily with Winter Hill becoming its tenth club. This is their second new club in the past nine months, following North Downs Golf Club in Caterham, Surrey.

The charity is expected to invest in the club - both in the course and clubhouse.

The move also means that current members can continue playing at the club and has received support from those including current captains Jane Ohlenschlager and Dave Stock.

Jane, captain of the Winter Hill Ladies’ team, said: “We are delighted for all of the members of the club. Winter Hill means a lot to us, and we are thrilled with this outcome.

READ MORE: Maidenhead Golf Club agrees to buy Winter Hill Golf Club

“Get Golfing has a strong track record. We've also spoken with members of their other clubs and can see they’re firmly committed to the game. We’re also on the same page when it comes to involving the community.

“With their management and our passionate support for our club and its membership, we’re really excited about our future and the potential to make even more of a positive local impact.”

Last month, the JLP announced the sale and closure of the club, saying it is no longer used as the employee benefit it once was.

Only one in five members now have a link to the Partnership - including a spouse or family member - with even fewer being a partner themselves. As a result, Winter Hill was used by just 0.2% of the organisation’s workforce.