Work has commenced on redeveloping and improving the Bob Torrance School of Golf at the sportscotland Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in Largs.
The golf course works are the latest phase in the exciting £12 million redevelopment of the facilities at the National Centre to create an inclusive residential training centre, the first of its kind in the UK.
Named after the legendary golf coach who lived in Largs and coached at the centre, the Bob Torrance School of Golf has long been an important part of the facilities on offer at Inverclyde. Bob, known as the ‘Swing Doctor’ coached or advised some of the world’s best players including Ian Woosnam, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, and Padraig Harrington – who even had his own room at the Torrance family home in Largs.
Centre Principal John Kent said: “This is a really exciting time in the development of our national centre. Works are at an advanced stage on the main buildings and we are now beginning work on delivering a new golf practise facility
“The golf facility has always been an important part of our offering here at Inverclyde so we are delighted that we have been able to include a significant upgrade as part of our £12million development works.
“Bob Torrance was a world-class coach, but he was also an important member of the Largs community, and a part of the family here at Inverclyde. We look forward to introducing a world-class golf training facility for Scotland to continue his legacy.”
The course makes the most of the stunning location with a fantastic outlook across the Firth of Clyde to the Isles of Bute and over the mountains of Arran and it will offer year-round access for high performance golfers, club, school, and community members.
Ryder Cup star Sam Torrance, who was coached by his father Bob, said: “It’s fantastic news to see sportscotland’s golf facility at Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in Largs get the go-head for such an amazing face lift.
“The facilities have always been good, but they will now be exceptional, and I know my dad would be very proud to know that the Centre where he spent so much time will be such a leading venue in golf coaching.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Golf, Blane Dodds, added: “We’re delighted with the work being undertaken to redevelop the Bob Torrance School of Golf at the sportscotland Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre. Bob was a much loved character across the game, internationally and in Scotland, and the upgrade to the facilities is a fitting testament to his legacy. I’m sure the new facilities will be of great asset for coaches and players alike.”
Soutar Sports Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work to improve and extend the 4-hole golf training centre with a completion date of summer 2018. The unique facility will provide:
- 4 training holes with target greens and tees arranged in a short course loop
- 2 performance putting greens
- 3 driving range areas – including the refurbished existing covered bays
- Reshaping of the ground levels to address drainage and allow easier ball collection
- Improved underground drainage and irrigation to performance greens
Sportscotland www.sportscotland.org.uk