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New golf facilities in Guernsey rival any in Europe, according to a top golf brand executive.
The Guernsey Golf Academy at The Golf Club @ St Pierre Park has opened, offering dynamic and entertaining tuition to adults and children. Players will have access to a two-storey driving range and state-of-the-art Foresight golf simulator.
Sean Brady, director, custom and brand experience from TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Europe, said set up is amongst the best he’s seen.
‘I think it is one of the most impressive facilities in Europe. It is evident looking at the range and surrounding areas that a lot of time, thought and effort has gone into the project, which I am sure will be a massive success,’ said Mr Brady.
The academy, supported by ABN AMRO, gives youngsters and adults a more rounded introduction to the game of golf than has been available previously.
‘As a team, we work closely with all our pupils, both young and old. For too long golf has been a sport for the few, but we believe it should be open to everyone. We offer dynamic and entertaining sessions to our adults as well as our younger students, all with the aim of encouraging participation,’ said PGA golf professional, Phil Sykes.
‘Regardless of previous ability or experience, everyone is welcome at the Guernsey Golf Academy. Currently, there is a range of different courses available, including junior group and adult beginner classes. Group courses are a great way to introduce the basics of golf, in a fun and accessible environment.’
Younger players enrolled with the Ready Steady Junior Golf Academy will now be able to attend regular Saturday afternoon and Monday evening junior group classes.
The children will have occasional use of a new, state-of-the-art Foresight golf simulator, which allows users to play many courses across the world and is unique in the Channel Islands. When practicing, the children will also be able to use the two-storey driving range with Pro-Tracer ball tracking and target greens. A greater competition element is also being introduced, in the now twice-weekly lessons.
‘Over the last seven years, we have introduced many new faces to the game. With the launch of our state of the art facilities at The Golf Club we are well placed to help further grow golf locally,’ said Mr Sykes.
‘Having such great support from a local business leader such as ABN AMRO allows us to deliver many of our local initiatives, such as the recent Inter Schools Golf Cup at St Pierre Park, which saw more than 70 children participating in the programme, helping open the golfing doors to all,’ said Mr Sykes.
Graham Thoume, managing director at ABN AMRO, added: ‘We have seen the number of young people playing golf increase over the three years we have supported the youth sport in the island. The new facilities at St Pierre Park are a fantastic springboard to open the sport up to even more children and adults. ABN AMRO is pleased to be able to support this new venture.’
