“Best in Show” short game course opens at Effingham Golf Club
![“Best in Show” short game course opens at Effingham Golf Club “Best in Show” short game course opens at Effingham Golf Club](https://cdn.golfmagic.com/styles/xl/s3/2024-07/2023%20Wild%20Flowers%20SGA%202.jpg?itok=W20M1lxb)
Effingham Golf Club, the traditional venue in the heart of Surrey, has inaugurated one of the largest and best short game facilities in the UK.
Located between the classic Georgian-style clubhouse and the first tee, the area was opened to members and guests at an exclusive launch event. Two-time DP World Tour winner and 2008 Ryder Cup Player of the Year Oliver Wilson was on hand to share his chipping and putting skills.
The practice area, one of renowned architect James Edwards’ largest designs to date, is divided into 12 zones where golfers can improve every aspect of their close-range game – including a 450 m² putting green and two bunkers.
Since construction was completed by renowned shaper Conor J Walsh, the area – which features many elevation changes to prepare players for the dynamic landscape of the club’s Harry Colt course – has undergone a ‘growing in’ period of more than a year.
The area will be supplied with the renowned Rain Bird irrigation system and will feature two new practice net pitches and an integrated boot and trolley cleaning station. Its prime location opposite the main entrance gate means it will be the first thing guests see when they arrive for years to come.
Prolific architect Colt designed Effingham’s par-71 course in 1927, masterfully modelling a route around some of Surrey’s most spectacular grounds to make the most of the unique views of the London skyline.
The new short game facility is the club’s second major investment since 2010. The other was a bunker renovation project that was completed in 2018 and transformed the course into Golf World‘s list of the 100 best golf courses in England.
Jonathan Kaltner, General Manager of Effingham Golf Club, said:
“We always ask our members what improvements they would like to see around the club to make their experience even more enjoyable and for many years a new short game practice area was one of the most requested additions.
“In response, we are excited to be opening what we believe is one of the best facilities of its kind in the country. We envision this not only being an area where players can improve before using the course, but also something where our members can come and have fun for hours even when they are not playing a round.
“Special thanks to James Edwards and Conor Walsh for their hard work and talent in making this possible.”