Effingham Golf Club in Surrey, England, will open a new short-game area in May.

James Edwards has designed the facility, which lies between Effingham’s Georgian clubhouse and the first tee of the club’s Harry Colt course, which was renovated by Tom Mackenzie in 2018.

“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,” said Richard Anderson, chair of the board at Effingham. “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 and Effingham’s general manager Steve Slinger spoke to GCA last year about the aims of the project.

Edwards has designed the area to reflect the downland terrain of Effingham’s Colt course. And, after more than a year’s grow-in, the new facility will allow players to practice their bunker play, pitch shots, chips and putting. There are 12 distinct ‘zones’ for different types of shot.

“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,” said Edwards. “Edwards Design International was 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.”

Construction was carried out by Conor Walsh, while a Rain Bird irrigation system has also been installed.