79 REPORT in March 2024 to install some secondary drainage prior to the course opening in May 2024,” says Steve Briggs, director at MJ Abbott. The short course has holes ranging from 50 to 90 yards and features 150-square-metre target greens. “The holes are ideal for sharpening approach shots and mastering your short game,” says Beves. “With this new addition, members can now enjoy a quick round in just 30 minutes.” “The Copse also boasts a 900-squaremetre short-game area, divided into five distinct zones, allowing players to work on a variety of techniques and shots. Rounding out the facility is a 400-square-metre putting green, offering ample room for golfers to perfect their putting in a more focused environment. “This space also helps the club from a return on investment perspective by keeping people on site longer as well as providing a space for youngsters and beginners to learn the game, not to mention good golfers looking to hone their short game. The Copse is a practice facility that offers golfers a versatile space to develop their skills.” Edwards drew inspiration from Goodwood’s two courses for the design of the short layout and putting green, also being mindful of the natural landscape of the area. “The short-game area allows players to practice shots that mirror those found on our courses,” says Beves. “The sand in the practice bunkers is made from China clay, the same material used on the Downs course.” Briggs adds: “The academy outfield was recontoured in its entirety to make the most of the layout. The design sits within part of the original estate’s flint wall that frames the northeastern section of the site and the six holes play around two stunning feature trees: an evergreen holm oak and a cedar of Lebanon. “General playing areas were drained and irrigated to assist in maintaining a facility that will encourage and develop young golfers and those looking to improve their short game.” Turfgrass advised the club on agronomics for the academy, specifying a fescue and bentgrass surface, mixed with cores harvested from the course’s existing greens, for the putting green. The practice and six academy greens are the same, with ryegrass added for durability. “Turfgrass played a key role in the creation of The Copse,” says Beves. “This project allowed us to collaborate with them closely throughout the construction process. Their vision and expertise, along with EDI’s and MJ Abbotts’, aligned perfectly with Goodwood’s goals to bring this worldclass facility to life. Since completion, Turfgrass has continued to advise on our courses and has been instrumental in the successful grow-in of The Copse.” The short-game area includes a large practice green and bunkers similar to those on the club’s Downs course Photo: Golf at Goodwood “ The Copse is a practice facility that offers golfers a versatile space to develop their skills”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=