West London Golf Centre - Plans in Progress

Golfshake was recently invited over to the West London Golf Centre (WLGC) which is London’s newest premier golf driving range along with superstore and academy but it doesn’t stop there.

A new 9-hole course is being built alongside the range and is due to open sometime around May 2014 and we were very impressed with what we saw.

The Menai Davis golfing family famously known for running the acclaimed The Shire course in Hertfordshire are responsible for the huge turnaround in fortunes of the complex with which they took over back in 2003. They brought on board world renowned course architect Nigel Ely who has worked on courses such as Turnberry, Hoylake and The Shire to name a few and along with course manager Keith Buckingham, together they have designed what is going to be the best 9-hole course in London and possible the UK.

Walking around the lay-out it is easy to see why. They had just laid down the brand new greens as you can see from the pictures and it was great to have a walk around the see the early lay-out of what the course will look like.

The superbly designed track is going to be tough test once finished next year with big undulating USGA standard greens with run off points to catch out the odd stray ball, add that to the meticulous planning and it’s easy to see why they believe it’s going to be something special.

However their vision didn’t stop there. Over the road they have also purchased some 150 acres with which they are going to use to build the West London Links which as the name sounds will be the only inland links course available in London. The ambitious project once again is going to be overseen by Ely and with his links design experience I am sure when it opens in 2016 it will be one hell of a course.

Ceri Menai Davis, who looks after the commercial and corporate side of the families ventures, said their vision won’t stop there:

“We have a lot of ideas which are very exciting for us. The 9-hole course was very much a family design as will the links course when it’s complete in a few years and it’s going to be something special.

“We wanted to bring something that London has never had and soon you’ll be able to come and play a quality 9-hole course, have a drink and something to eat afterwards and be home at a decent time.

“We’ve design the 9-holes to be good test of golf. You need to be accurate off the tee and if you find the fairways then it really is a good practice for hitting your target because they are big greens.”

The complex already has a fully functional range along with its only Cranfield Golf Academy and American Golf Superstore which at 4,500 sq ft is one of London’s biggest.  You can buy your range balls in the attractive Coffee House, which sells a wide range of refreshments in relaxing surroundings (including comfy armchairs).

I’ll be back at the WLGC early next year to view its progress on both sides of the site.

If you’re in the area I recommend getting yourself down to hit a few balls on the range, take a look at what is going off and it won't be long before you'll be able to have a quick nine holes.

The West London Golf Centre can be found on the A4180, 750 yards south of the A40 Polish War Memorial exit, a short distance from South Ruislip and RAF Northolt.

For more information visit: www.westlondongolfcentre.com

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