The PGA has added Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort to its growing portfolio of branded properties worldwide as a PGA Golf Course and PGA Golf Academy.
The Wiltshire-based venue, which forms part of the historic Bowood Estate, joins the elite group of PGA Branded Properties around the world, including past Ryder Cup venues The Belfry and Gleneagles, together with other exceptional resorts like Aphrodite Hills as the PGA National Cyprus, and Antalya Golf Club as the PGA National Turkey.
As part of its new relationship with the PGA, Bowood will also become the home of the English PGA Championship for the next three years.
Established in 1992, and set among 1,500 acres of rolling parkland, the Dave Thomas designed 7,309-yard championship course is renowned as one of the finest in Wiltshire and now becomes a high profile ‘must play’ course in the south west region and beyond.
Bowood’s golf academy and comprehensive practice facilities boasts a team of five PGA Professionals with over 50 years’ experience, and offers the perfect environment for golfers of all ages, gender and ability to develop, learn and have fun playing golf.
The Bowood PGA Golf Course and Academy form an integral part of the historic Bowood Estate, which includes Bowood House, home to the Lansdowne family since 1754, and is beautifully situated within 100 acres of landscaped Capability Brown parkland. The luxurious Bowood hotel provides superb facilities for the discerning golfer to stay and enjoy, including its comprehensive Spa, Shelburne restaurant and clubhouse brasserie, as well as intimate private dining experiences.
Lord Lansdowne, proprietor of the Bowood Estate, said: “We are delighted to have been endorsed by The PGA as an accredited golf course and academy and we are extremely proud that our championship golf course has reached the high standard required to bear The PGA name. This endorsement reflects the dedication of our outstanding team at Bowood. Designed by the great Dave Thomas and opened for play in 1992, our 18-hole golf course is rated as the premier golf course in Wiltshire and will now be known as The PGA Official Golf Course for the South West.”
Jeff Condliffe, general manager of Bowood Hotel, commented: “We could not have had a more positive and exciting start to the New Year ahead. The value and global recognition of the PGA brand is enormous and will really put Bowood on the map as a centre of golfing excellence.”
The PGA’s Executive Director – Commercial, Liam Greasley added: “The PGA is delighted to welcome Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort to the group of world class PGA Branded properties. Bowood has long been recognised as a first class golf course which will be tested to the full as the host venue for the final of the English PGA Championship in July. Complimented by its excellent hotel, spa and golf academy, Bowood is testament to Lord Lansdowne’s vision and commitment to excellence and we very much look forward to developing a successful relationship in the years ahead.”