76 REPORT While the Goodwood Estate in England’s South Downs National Park may be more famous for its horse racing and motor circuit, golf has been played there since the 6th Duke of Richmond’s first round 110 years ago. Golf At Goodwood now has two 18-hole layouts – the Downs and Park courses – and, from 2024, a new practice facility, The Copse. Designed by James Edwards of EDIGolf, The Copse comprises a putting green, short-game area and six-hole short course. It occupies 1.2 hectares of land between The Goodwood Hotel and the club’s academy and driving range, near the seventeenth tee of the Park course. “The rationale behind this development was twofold,” says Gary Beves, general manager at Golf At Goodwood. “First, we wanted to elevate our practice facilities and provide members with an enhanced experience beyond our current offering. Secondly, we believe short courses are central to the future of the sport.” The initial concept for the area was developed by Edwards in the mid-2010s. He was officially appointed in 2018 and joined shortly after by contractor MJ Abbott and agronomy firm Turfgrass. Construction was delayed by the pandemic, eventually beginning in February 2023 and all but complete by June of the same year. “We then returned Down in the woods James Edwards designed holes with creative approach play in mind Photo: Golf at Goodwood Golf At Goodwood has a new practice facility designed by James Edwards and built by MJ Abbott.
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