Parley Golf Centre pro Marcus Urbye with some of his charges on the new short game practice area.
Parley Golf Centre has seen a 25 per cent increase in membership since it opened its new course in April.
There has also been a sharp spike in ‘pay and play’ customers who are also making use of the extensive new practice facilities.
The centre spent £250,000 on the course and training area having seen the model used to great effect in the US.
Part of the new practice area
Part of the new practice area
Part of the new practice area
With golf participation declining in the UK, Parley is bucking the trend and anticipates further growth as the course beds down.
The centre opposite Bournemouth Airport also has a fast-growing female section which has helped boost numbers.
The nine-hole course is 5,169 yards long with 18 tees so a full game can be played in which every hole is different.
A hole on the new course
Manager Daryl Dampney said: “Initially we were going to build a new 18 hole course after gaining permission to double our footprint, but a visit to the US changed our minds.
“Over there is a great emphasis on specialist golf practice facilities and shorter courses.
“This enables those without time to play 18 holes to be able to spend half an hour or an hour getting in some really good practice.
“We not only have a great driving range, but huge practice green, short game training areas, academy practice holes, as well as specialist coaching bays and a simulator
“These facilities are luring those from other clubs who want to practice – and our professionals can also provide better quality coaching.
“The upgrade has resulted in a 25 per cent increase in membership and more ‘pay and players’ turning up.
“Our course has bedded down over the summer and is playing extremely well and we’re seeing many people pop in after work for a quick game.
“The café-bar is attracting non-playing visitors and our investment is now seeing returns.
“However, the development of the centre will continue as we grow and keep up with the changing aspects of the sport.”
Notes to editors:
Parley Golf Centre in Dorset is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour close to Bournemouth Airport.
It is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Equestrian Centre. Wildlife includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and a pair of rare Grey Partridges. And you are likely to see a family of alpacas roaming around too!
Parley Golf Centre opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, but quickly expanded to nine holes and a 27-bay, floodlit driving range was added.
Currently the site is being transformed into a centre of excellence (which does not affect the course). When completed it will be twice its current size.
The nine-hole course is being rebuilt with carefully configured tees allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.
There will be a huge short-game practice area, bunker practice facility as well as a state-of-the-art indoor coaching centre.
Also being built are several ‘academy’ holes from 50 – 100 yards. The café-bar remains a popular venue for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Head greenkeeper Ian Noble is assisted by Mark Gregory and John Morey.
Resident professionals include Chris Brook, Marcus Urbye, Andrew Pakes and Peter Thompson.
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
