What is now Potters Resort Five Lakes Golf Club began as the Manifold Golf Club which opened in 1974 comprising what was the Links course with a clubhouse near to the road. The club was then sold into new ownership and was renamed Quietwaters Golf Club. Although not a members club, it felt like one with many enthusiastic and long term patrons supporting competitions and functions. Apart from the men's, seniors and ladies sections the club had a thriving junior membership which had some notable success in the County junior cup and Thornton cup, with a number of members of these teams who turned professional.
The owners of the Quietwaters Club began a major development on land adjacent to the Links course building the Lakes Course as well as the hotel and sports facilities. After a long period of uncertainty the whole enterprise was purchased by A.B. Hotels, the Lakes course and hotel were finished and opened in 1995. Initially the Lakes course was run as a separate club so there were two clubs at the one facility, the Links and Lakes Golf Clubs with separate memberships. Over time this proved to be impracticable and in April 2000 the clubs were merged to form Five Lakes Golf Club.
In October 2021 the hotel was acquired by Potters who quickly made some very significant changes to the hotel in order to re-open as an All-Inclusive resort in May 2022 offering three and four night stays.
A brand new golfers’ bar, Pro shop and changing rooms were opened in July 2022.
Significant work was then completed on The Lakes course which has seen the reputation of the course and club continue to grow over the last year. In total the golf operation benefitted from over £1m of investment. The Links Course was closed and turned into a par 3 course which can be enjoyed by hotel guests and members.
We have a thriving membership and in addition welcome green fees and society days.
Apart from varying degrees of success in County competitions, the Club hosted the European Tour qualifying competitions in the 1990s for several years before the tour took its competitions overseas.
It has also hosted a number of Euro Pro Tour events televised by Sky TV as well as Essex Amateur competitions Men's and Ladies.
Finalists and runner up in the 2006 Youth Shield held at North Weald Golf Club against West Essex GC.
Finalist and runner up in the 2009 Thornton Challenge Cup at Thorndon Park Golf Club against West Essex GC.