Warwickshire-based Playgolf Limited is to develop a 64 bay state-of-the art golf range on 26 acres of the 150 acre Regional Sports Complex site which is adjacent to The Trafford Centre, the £600 million shopping, restaurant and entertainment city close to junctions 9 and 10 of the M60 Manchester Outer Ring Road.
The company also operates Manchester’s Heaton Park golf complex – now widely regarded as the best public facility in the country – as well as courses at Bridlington in East Yorkshire and Calverley, Leeds, each of which includes either a driving range or practice area.
The Trafford Centre will be Playgolf’s first stand-alone golf range. “Forget a windy shed looking out over a damp field with a few flags,” says Playgolf managing director David Piggins. “We’re building a proper outfield offering a unique golfing vista to play to, based on a par three hole replicating one of the most famous and demanding in the world, and a warm accommodating building.”
The range, with teaching, retail and restaurant facilities, will open until late and a sophisticated system of lights will allow the view of the outfield to be varied at will. “You could come here each night for a week and be faced with a different test,” says Mr Piggins.
Playgolf’s main ambition is to encourage people to take up the game by providing an easy, affordable entry route. Novices who start at the Trafford Centre range will be encouraged to move to Heaton Park’s golf academy where there is an 18 hole par three course and ultimately progress to the full 18 hole course.