Huxley Golf has installed new practice facilities at Strawberry Hill Golf Club in London, UK, as part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

Reputedly one of the shortest courses in south-east England, Strawberry Hill’s nine holes were designed in 1900 under the guidance of J.H. Taylor, the first president of the PGA.

Now following a successful grant application for a grant from Sport England’s ‘Inspired Facilities Fund’, Huxley Golf installed an all-weather facilities at the club in the form of a 22m by 3.6m practice tee and two caged nets with mats.

The facilities ensure that poor weather or ground conditions don’t hinder practice opportunities, and were opened by business secretary and MP for Twickenham Vince Cable.

“The existing practice area was a rough patch of ground with 100 yards between the old mats and the green and there were no practice nets at all,” said Donald Kerr, chairman of golf at Strawberry Hill. “We contacted Huxley Golf and were impressed that Barry Huxley came to the club personally, not only to give us invaluable advice as to how we might upgrade our limited practice area, but he helped us choose the design and location of the facilities. Again, we were impressed at the personal attention we received during the installation process where we were treated with the utmost respect and attention to detail.”

Strawberry Hill has been selected as a regional centre for England Golf’s ‘Get into Golf’ programme, which aims to reinforce various existing initiatives and develop strong links with schools and businesses.

The club has also received the ‘Inspire’ mark from Sport England to celebrate and extend the legacy of last year’s Olympic games. Sport England’s award is part of the ‘Places People Play’ legacy programme, delivered in partnership with the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association.

“Our installation of practice tee and cages will not only benefit members, visitors and those starting out on their golfing journey, but it will also generate immediate and long-term savings in ground maintenance; important for a not-for-profit organisation like Strawberry Hill,” said Barry Huxley, director of Huxley Golf. “I hope that our work on this project will enable the club to increase its appeal throughout the communities it serves.”