Effingham Golf Club will add another string to a prestigious bow when one of the UK’s largest and most extensive short-game practice areas opens at the established Surrey venue in May.
Perfectly positioned between the historic clubhouse and first tee, the area – featuring a 1,250m2 short game academy green with 12 distinct zones for a greater variety of practice, and a 450m2 putting green – will be unveiled this spring after more than a year’s ‘growing in’ period.
The club commissioned architect James Edwards to design one of his in-demand ‘short game academies’, which have received rave reviews across the country. At Effingham, Edwards Design International has built one of their largest practice areas to date, sculpting the land to reflect the dynamic downland terrain of the course.
As well as endless opportunities to experiment with putting, pitching, chipping and bunker play, the area will include two new practice net bays and a state-of-the-art cleaning station for shoes and trolleys. Construction was carried out by the acclaimed shaper Conor Walsh, while the renowned Rain Bird irrigation system has also been installed.
Designed by legendary architect Harry Colt in 1927, Effingham’s par-71 course is blessed with unique views across the iconic London skyline. In 2018, Tom Mackenzie completed an extensive renovation project across the layout’s bunkers, restoring them in line with Colt’s philosophy.
Richard Anderson, Chair of the Board at Effingham Golf Club, said: “We’re very excited to open our new area in a few short months, bringing the calibre of our practice facilities in line with Harry Colt’s incredible course.
“The area was conceptualised in response to feedback from our members, and we really envision this being a place where they can spend hours honing their skills and enjoying themselves.”
Edwards said: “It is not often in academy design that a one-acre downland space in front of one of our most celebrated clubs and Georgian clubhouses at a Harry Colt classic presents itself.
“EDI were fortunate to be entrusted by the board of Effingham Golf Club and the members with ‘carte blanche’ to produce the latest short game theory and realise the most comprehensive short game academy in the UK.
“We are most proud of the seamless, direct member journey from clubhouse to first tee via the new 12-zone academy and putting green, which makes practice the most accessible it has ever been at Effingham Golf Club.”
Effingham Golf Club boasts almost a century of history in the heart of Surrey, while the Grade II listed clubhouse dates back to the Georgian era. Extensive investment in recent times has seen the club recognised by Golf World as one of England’s top 100 golf courses.