European Tour star Simon Khan has given his full backing to Brocket Hall Golf Club’s bid to unearth the next golfing stars of the future after being named as the historic venue’s ambassador for its new junior section.
Khan, 40, who clinched the biggest win of his career at the 2010 BMW PGA Championship, has agreed to become the new figurehead for the club’s junior and intermediate programmes, which will undergo a complete overhaul over the coming months.
As part of his new role, the Epping-based star will oversee a series of junior clinics throughout the year at Brocket Hall’s renowned Palmerston Golf Academy, as well as using the Hertfordshire venue as his UK base to practice.
Khan shot to prominence by beating former world number three Paul Casey in a play-off to claim the 2004 Celtic Manor Wales Open before winning the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth six years later.
Khan said: “With two championship courses and an outstanding academy set-up, Brocket Hall has some of the best facilities to be found anywhere in the country.
“It is a club that has been close to my heart for a long time and the chance to join their ambassador programme and work with some of the most talented juniors in the south is a very attractive proposition. I can’t wait to get started.”
Khan’s new appointment is the latest in a series of exciting new developments to take place at Brocket Hall since the start of the year.
Led by new club manager David Griffin, the 36-hole venue’s new management team is overseeing a major drive aimed at growing its golf business in both individual and corporate sectors, as well as introducing a new junior membership – with packages available from £250.
Griffin said: “We are dedicated to the future of golf at Brocket Hall and, with Simon’s assistance, it’s our aim to help aspiring youngsters develop all aspects of their game.”
Situated within 543 acres of stunning 18th century parkland, Brocket Hall’s two 18-hole championship courses are famously named after the prime ministers who once resided there, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston.
Opened in 1992, the par-72 Melbourne Course is set in magnificent surroundings, crossing the River Lea several times before a memorable finish in front of the hall after a short ferry ride to the 18th green.
In contrast, the Palmerston Course – designed by Donald Steel – is a challenging par-73 woodland layout, with rare Hornbeam, Scots and Corsican pine and 300-year-old oak trees creating a memorable test for professionals and amateurs alike, and was ranked 86th in the latest ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in England’ poll.
In addition, golfers can hone their skills at the renowned PalmerstonGolfAcademy, and no visit to Brocket Hall is complete without indulging in five-star dining at its award-winning restaurant, Auberge du Lac, a more laid-back meal in Watershyppes Restaurant or a stay in the recently-refurbished Melbourne Lodge.
Brocket Hall www.brocket-hall.co.uk/golf