A NEW public driving range is coming to Redditch’s 103-year old Pitcheroak Golf Course next month.
Workers are now finishing off the new facility at the municipal golf course ahead of a grand opening day planned for September.
The seven-berth, 270 yard range has been built in a bid to boost local players, give local schools more sporting options, and get even more people golfing.
Chris Stanley, Head PGA Golf Professional at Pitcheroak Golf Course, said: “The driving range concept will be open to all and will incorporate short game practice in the space we have, but we’re delighted to say that it’ll be easy to come and have a swing even in a lunch break.
“Whether you’re new to the sport or an existing player, and whether you just want to hit a few drives or improve your game through our structured lessons, you can do it all at our improved facility right here at beautiful Pitcheroak. It certainly adds another dimension for all players.
“We’re hoping to announce free taster sessions and a family open day to mark its opening in the next week or two.”
No membership is needed to use the new driving range at Pitcheroak, which like the course itself is a public facility open to anyone that wants to turn up and play. However for anyone that wants to take their golf further Redditch Kingfisher Golf Club is based there with about 150 members.
Councillor Pat Witherspoon, Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for leisure services, said: “As a council we work hard to provide more and better sports and active leisure opportunities for people in Redditch, and the new driving range at Pitcheroak is just the latest example of that. The extra business at Pitcheroak will also help us in our goal to ensure that all our community services stay financially healthy and sustainable.”
Pitcheroak Golf Course was established in 1913 around a design by James Braid, who designed British Open courses including at Carnoustie and Gleneagles. It’s a highly-maintained and challenging mature course, which holds more than 40 regular competition events a year including junior par 3 tournaments, ‘get into golf’ sessions and tri golf festivals. Its golf services are managed for Redditch Borough Council by Chris Stanley. The course is also home to the popular Greens Bar and Restaurant.
