Pedham Place Farm was purchased 30 years ago by the current owners as a derelict orchard. The farm was run as a mixed arable and livestock concern until 1990 when permission was granted for an imaginative scheme to build a golf complex.
Despite superb views of the Darenth Valley and Dartford Bridge, the land was flat, exposed and with little character. By using inert landfill to create gentle banks and valleys, players could be offered protection from the elements and enjoy a challenging round of golf.
Work commenced in 1993 under the supervision of golf architect John Fortune and three years later Pedham Place Golf Centre opened with a 1100 yard, 9 hole par 3 course with greens and tees built to full USGA specification and a 40 bay golf driving range. The first 9 hole par 35 course opened in 1998.
In June 2001 the full 18 hole par 71 course was opened, again built to USGA specification and constructed by Kestrel Golf Ltd. Over the whole development period John Fortune has supervised the work.
Johnsons Sport and Amenity Grass Seed was chosen for the 9 greens built last year. It was also the seed of choice for development work carried out this summer but with an interesting difference. Turf was grown to specification by Coronet Turf using an inert, soil-less growing medium.
Using this method turf can be delivered within six weeks and is virtually weed-free. Speed of harvesting and delivery ensures that the turf arrives in peak condition and an undamaged root structure helps to achieve an unchecked, very rapid establishment.
Due to the net and dense root system, the turf can be manhandled without break up despite large roll sizes. In fact this actually reduces handling and transportation costs and can save up to 30% of time taken to lay conventional turf.
Pedham Place Golf Centre golf@ppgc.co.uk
Johnsons www.perryfields.co.uk or telephone Miranda Chambers 01386 793135