Among England’s Finest

We’re delighted to announce that Potters Resorts Five Lakes Golf Club has been shortlisted as a finalist for the England Golf Awards 2025.

As the country’s governing body working at the heart of amateur golf, England Golf’s mission is to support and empower a thriving community of players, counties and clubs to get the most out of the game they love.

Their annual awards are a chance to shine a light on individuals and organisations who have done so much to promote a positive image of golf through their accomplishments or selfless endeavours to help others.

Five Lakes Golf Club is among three clubs shortlisted for England Golf’s 2025 Club of the Year Award

Finalists include volunteers to elite performers, clubs to counties, and juniors to lifetime achievers. England Golf Chief Executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “Our awards night is always an important and special evening for us, as we recognise and applaud all the wonderful things that are happening around the country to help our great game take strides forward.

“In what is a tough but ultimately rewarding task every year for our judging panels, we will welcome our remarkable finalists to Manchester in April to crown some of those outstanding achievements on what will no doubt be a night to remember.”

The Club of the Year Award

In announcing their finalists, England Golf said: “After many hours of looking through some excellent nominations, we are delighted to confirm that our judges have selected Potters Resorts Five Lakes Golf Club as one of three finalists for the Club of the Year Award at the 2025 England Golf Awards.

“It has improved engagement with the membership including a regular newsletter, members survey, and regular updates which has helped transform the club.”

A warm and friendly welcome always awaits in the Golfers’ Bar

Speaking of the nomination, proprietor John Potter said: “The club has a great history. The course was designed by Neil Coles, a European Tour legend, and it was opened by Sir Nick Faldo. It’s hosted several regional PGA events. There were always aspirations to go on and host some of the largest events in the sport.

“We took over Five Lakes in late 2021, and while the previous owners had left a first-class foundation for an excellent club including a brilliant team, it was clear after the pandemic that everything needed some TLC. So our objective has been simple: restore Five Lakes Golf Club to its former glory.”

As well as a friendly welcome, the Pro Shop is well-stocked with the latest clothing, footwear and golfing equipment

Investment in your facilities

Fast forward three years, and you can see the difference. Members and visitors enjoy access to the new Golfers’ Bar, a relocated and well-stocked pro shop, plus modern changing facilities. But the biggest investment has been outside.

Players can now enjoy a revitalised course that’s benefitted from new machinery, and much-improved practice facilities including the driving range, putting green and a dedicated short game area. In that respect, Five Lakes has everything the golfer needs.

The Lakes Course at Potters Resorts Five Lakes Golf Club has benefitted from new machinery since 2022

John continues: “We wanted to put the club back on the map as one of the best in Essex. Not only have we achieved that, but we’re now recognised as one of the leading clubs in England. That is a testament to everyone involved in our golf offering at Five Lakes, from the team working on the greens to those welcoming golfers in the shop and serving them in our bar.

“Now let’s go and win it!”

The Greens Team

A golfing community

Wesley Barton, the club’s manager, said: “The biggest change since Potters came in is that feeling of community.

“As well as a brilliant course, facilities and flexible membership options, we regularly host member events, competitions and community initiatives. That’s something that England Golf has strongly highlighted in our nomination for this award.”

“We’ve truly seen the incredible result of all that hard work and investment. At the start of 2022, membership had dropped to around 240. We’re now at well over 1,000 members. The last few years have been like a breath of fresh air.”

The club’s PGA Professional, Craig Lockwood, added: “The biggest thing from my side has been the investment in the course machinery. For example, the greens roller is not something we’ve had previously. That has made our greens among the most consistent I’ve played on.”

Congratulations to everyone at the club. The England Golf Awards 2025 culminate in April at their gala ceremony set to take place at the Hilton Manchester.

For more information on the awards, simply click here. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the outcome!

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To learn more about the club’s flexible points-based membership or green fees, simply click here for information.