The Maghull Group, owner of Formby Hall Golf Club, is investing more than £10 million in the club after Sefton Council’s Planning Committee approved plans to transform it into a PGA National Residential Golf Academy.
The centre of excellence at Formby Hall Golf Club will be the only PGA branded National Residential Golf Academy in the UK when it opens towards the end of 2007. The project is set to create almost 60 jobs.
Sefton Council Planning Committee have approved plans to add a new nine hole golf course to the existing 18 hole course as well as a 62 bedroom luxury golf residence. Players will be given the opportunity to practise all elements of the game, from short and long game to pitching and putting.
As part of the developments at Formby Hall Golf Club, the bar and restaurant will be completely re-designed to have a more contemporary feel. The function room at the clubhouse, which is currently used for weddings, conferences and events, will be transformed into one of the region’s most stylish venues. The club is also set to benefit from a new spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
The new PGA National Residential Golf Academy at Formby Hall Golf Club will attract golfers of all ages and abilities from across the country. Joe Fleetwood, director of golf at Formby Hall Golf Club, is working with the PGA to plan a range of programmes to encourage players of all levels to improve their skills.
“As the only National PGA branded Residential Golf Academy in the country,” he said “we will be in a fantastic position to help raise the standard of the game in the north west and across the country. Working with the PGA, we aim to offer the best level of coaching for players of all standards, from complete beginners to experienced golfers.
“The Maghull Group is investing more than £10 million in the project, which shows the club’s commitment to the local area. Having the seal of approval from such a prestigious organisation as the PGA will also help boost the level of golf tourism across the north west.
Sandy Jones, chief executive at the PGA, added, “We’re really looking forward to working with the team at Formby Hall Golf Club. This investment in developing the facilities is great news for the game in the region.
“This is a real opportunity for us to work with the local community and schools in the area to help create star players of the future.”
Maghull Developments, also part of the Maghull Group, will carry out the redevelopment project.
Formby Hall Golf Club was established almost nine years ago and is situated on Southport Old Road, Formby, Merseyside and has excellent rail, road and airport links.
Formby Hall Golf Club www.formbyhallgolfclub.co.uk
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