National Academy opens doors to public

In a move that step-changes the standard of teaching currently available to all UK golfers, The National Golf Centre Academy at Woodhall Spa has announced it is to open its doors to the public.

Under the leadership of its newly appointed Head Coach, Neil Harvey, visitors to The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, will be able to take full advantage of the facilities through a series of new programmes specifically tailored for beginners, juniors, and those seeking 1:1 tuition or residential golf breaks.

The most visionary aspect of The National Golf Centre Academy – the aim of which is to provide ‘a coaching centre of excellence for golfers of all standards’ – is a four-acre area devoted to the development of short game skills.

Its key features are:

*Eight target greens to aim at, offering shots of all lengths up to 100 yards

*A range of individually styled bunkers with varying grades of sand

*A large, high-quality putting green.

Head Coach, Neil Harvey, said: “This is an important step for The National Golf Centre Academy and fantastic news for people looking to sample the game for the first time or golfers seeking to improve their skills surrounded by some of the best practice facilities in the world.

“The Academy already has a strong reputation for nurturing great golf talent under the management of the English Golf Union’s Director of Elite Coaching, Peter Mattsson, and I will work alongside Peter to offer the general public a similar opportunity. We can’t promise to make every visitor a Tour star, but we do guarantee a first-class, highly personal and memorable experience for all.”

A floodlit, 18-bay, driving range takes centre stage at The National Golf Centre Academy. It looks out onto an area designed to replicate the challenges golfers face when on the course. Trees and woodland areas have been retained and greens are strategically located to assist and develop a golfer’s shot-making skills.

One of the key objectives for The National Golf Centre Academy is to encourage people interested in the sport to try golf for the first time. In its new Get into Golf programme, visitors will be given the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the game, under the expert guidance of Neil and his team, PGA professionals Scott Emery and Alison Johns.

Richard Latham, Director of Operations at The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, commented: “We are committed to growing the game of golf in the UK. I strongly believe that by opening up our facilities to the wider public we will encourage more people to play golf whilst helping existing players improve their skills through 1:1 tuition and an enjoyable residential golf programme.”

The residential golf breaks are key to the success of The National Golf Centre Academy and specifically tailored to give golfers a truly memorable game-improvement experience. They combine time on Woodhall Spa’s Bracken and world-renowned Hotchkin course, currently rated 20th in the World Top 100 Golf Courses ranking compiled by Golf World Magazine.  

For further information about the National Golf Centre Academy and the services Neil and his team can offer, call 01526 351837 or email Neil Harvey at nharvey@englishgolfunion.org.

Example packages

‘Get into Golf’ Adult golfers’ programme:

The emphasis of the Get into Golf program is on flexibility, effectiveness and enjoyment in the lessons pupils choose to take. The program offers pupils a chance to bias their learning towards their own needs, and focus on areas of their game that require the most improvement. There is a choice of lesson types, including ‘Ladies Only’ and ‘Mixed Sessions’, and for a monthly fee, pupils can sign up to unlimited sessions covering all aspects of the game.

Get into Golf covers four levels of achievement, starting at Beginner level, and working up through Improver, Player, and finally Golfer. By the end of the program, pupils will have the confidence, skills and knowledge to be able to play golf to a handicap standard.

Prices: As an introduction, people can sign up to a taster session for free to get a flavor of the programme. If they then choose to continue, the cost is £49.99 per month.

Residential Golf Schools:

Golfers can choose from a two or three-day program, each of which is relaxed, yet professionally structured, to ensure they enjoy the maximum benefit from their time at Woodhall Spa.

The golfer’s needs come first and each participant will receive as much one-to-one tuition as possible from our coaching team. Each Residential Golf School has a limit of eight visitors per group.

At the end of the two-day school, the golfer will be presented with their own personally tailored coaching plan that they can work on at their leisure – to ensure their game continues to improve.

Prices: from £215, excluding accommodation.