Golf for all, right on our doorstep
A new golf range? Right on our patch? We went over to The freshly opened Beeches Golf to find out what sets it apart…
For many, golf is seen as a prohibitively expensive sport to try, and club rules and membership deter many from just giving it a go. If you think you might like to give it a try, a range is a great way to get a feel for the sport before splashing out on kit and venturing out on to the course.
We’ve been cooped up for some time and the idea of getting out into the fresh air and hitting a few balls sounded great. Not being a seasoned golfer is most definitely not a problem at The Beeches where the staff are on hand to help get you started and to help newcomers get the basics right. There’s an added attraction for experienced golfers too – the latest Trackman technology, more on that later…
Steve and Brian are the team behind The Beeches. Both experienced dairy farmers with a passion for sports and a need to diversify in order to support The Beeches Farm – in their family since 1927.
Open only a few days, the project has been in the planning for many years and like many businesses has had to weather a difficult trading year and delays to opening. They’ve made good use of the time though, it’s easy to see how much thought and work has gone into the range which boasts 19 very slick bays, all with state-of-the-art digital coaching.
The Trackman system is the first of its kind for the area and is a feature of each bay. The display allows users to record and store data about ball distance, height, speed, angle and distance from pin etc. More than that the system allows you to ‘virtually’ play championship courses in 360º, all over the world including St Andrews and Muirfield Village.
The Beeches Golf are awaiting planning permission for use of their floodlights into the evening allowing for extended opening hours. For now the range is open between 8am and 4pm and you can just rock up without a booking and play (subject to availability).
Lots of thought has gone into not only the design, but also creating a warm welcome. It’s a family affair and there is clearly a passion for their new project with a hands-on approach to making the range feel hospitable. They have removed the barriers to picking up the sport with club loan (courtesy of Wilson) for those who want to try before buying, no membership fees and invitation to kids of all ages to come along and have go. There’s a cafe bar serving snacks and hot drinks (the coffee is excellent) and once the weather warms up, a lovely outside area to sit and sun yourself.
The intention is to host group sessions when possible but in the meantime PGA Golf Pros John Cheetham, Peter Barber, Tim Maxwell (Knutsford Golf Club Pro) and Ben Stanier are available for one-to-one sessions to brush up your swing or introduce you to the sport.
Also in the longer term are plans to open a Par 3 course, and work is already underway for what will no doubt be an incredibly popular Adventure Golf attraction.
If you’re interested in visiting The Beeches feel free to go along where you can either grab a basket of balls (25/50/60/100) from £4, or for seasoned golfers – join a loyalty programme and get up to 25% credit.
