Effingham Golf Club officially opened its new short game facility last week, with DP World Tour and 2008 Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson giving a chipping and wedge play clinic to members and invited guests as part of the unveiling ceremony at the Surrey venue.
Situated between the club’s Georgian clubhouse and first tee, the practice area, which was designed by golf course architect James Edwards, is divided into 12 zones for golfers to sharpen every aspect of their close-range play – including a 450m2 putting green and two bunkers.
Since construction was completed by respected shaper Conor J Walsh, the area – which employs an array of elevation changes to prepare players for the dynamic landscape of the club’s Harry Colt course – has undergone a growing-in period of more than a year.
Served by a Rain Bird irrigation system, the area includes two new practice net bays and integrated shoe and trolley cleaning station. Its prime location opposite the main entrance gate means that it will be the first thing guests see on arrival at the club.
The new short game facility is the club’s second major investment since 2010, the other being a bunker renovation project on the 18-hole championship course that was completed in 2018 and propelled the course into Golf World’s list of the top 100 courses in England.
Jonathan Kaltner, General Manager of Effingham Golf Club, said: “We are always asking our members about the improvements they would like to see around the club to make their experience even better, and for many years, a new short game practice area was one of the most requested additions.
“In response, we’re delighted to open what we feel is one of the best facilities of its kind in the country. We envision this being not only an area where players can sharpen up before using the course, but also something that our members can come and enjoy for hours on end even if they aren’t playing a round.
“Special thanks must go to James Edwards and Conor Walsh for the hard work and talent that has made this possible.”
