The new facility which has six holes varying in length from 110 yards to 170 yards and has sufficient drainage to allow for year-round play, gives Hadden Hill the complete complex – a floodlit covered range, two practice chipping areas, putting green and full length 6,563-yard par 71 18-hole golf course plus two teaching PGA professionals able to provide lessons for golfers at any level.
John Cook, head coach to Berks, Bucks & Oxon (BB&O) and EGU coach to the East Midlands was full of praise for the facilities. “I can honestly say that the short game coaching facility is the best I have seen in England,” he said.
Before opening the par-3 course Alliss said, “Golf is for all ages and all people. It is a mirror of life. I am delighted to see some youngsters here today, particularly the young girls from Didcot Girls School.”
Speaking to the girls he added, “The par-3 course will afford you the opportunity to learn the game. I say enjoy your golf and tell all your friends to come and try out this great game. We need you young people to come in and have a go. It’s a great old game. Enjoy.”
English Golf Union chief executive John Petrie said, “I congratulate Hadden Hill for having the vision to create this par-3 course which I am sure will be a great asset for all members and visitors of all standards of play.”
The total cost of the project was £250,000 including a partial grant from Sport/Golf England. Golf England also believes the facility will be a great asset to the club in developing your golfers and starting many into the game.
Hadden Hill Golf Club www.haddenhillgolf.co.uk