Wharton Park opens brand spanking new driving range
Published: Last updated:
After a significant six-figure investment Wharton Park Golf and Country Club’s new state-of-the-art driving range and teaching academy has swung into action.
The impressive £250,000 floodlit and covered range, which is located on a five acre site next to the first hole of the Bewdley club’s championship course, features oversized bays, specially sprung mats and will use quality balls from Srixon.
The club’s owner has described the new facility as ‘arguably one of the best driving ranges in the West Midlands’.
“I truly believe that the impressive new driving range makes Wharton Park stand out as one of the premier practice facilities in the West Midlands.” said Allan Umbers, owner of Wharton Park Golf & Country Club.
“We are eager to attract more people to take up the game of golf, especially women and children. To help us achieve that we have launched a unique golf range membership that’s available to everyone and will allow them to benefit from money-saving prices. It takes Wharton Park’s facilities for members and visitors to a whole new level.
“One of our aims is to make golf accessible for everyone. With that in mind we will be loaning out golf clubs free of charge to non-golfers who visit the driving range. That means they don’t need to worry about equipment. Even trainers will suffice as we are promoting a relaxed atmosphere where everything is here for anyone who wants to take up golf, have a lesson or take part in a leisurely practice session.”
The new driving range also includes a high-tech teaching academy which will be headed up by the club’s PGA Advanced Golf Professional, Angus Hoare. Angus will be using the latest virtual reality technology in the specially-built facility for lessons and club fitting.
Allan Umbers added: “We are thrilled that the new driving range is open and we’re already receiving some great feedback. The next phase will see us installing a new short-game area with a practice green, bunkers and an innovative teaching area for beginners which will be located next to the range. We hope to have these facilities completed by early next year.”
The opening of the range marks another substantial investment from the Umbers family who this year completed a £1 million refurbishment of Wharton Park’s clubhouse.
The clubhouse now boasts ultra-modern boutique bedrooms which have been awarded a four-star Tourist Board rating and been described as some of the most luxurious accommodation in Worcestershire.
