SIX-HOLE SHORT COURSE UNVEILED
Advocates of short-form golf will be delighted
to learn of the unveiling of a new course with a
difference.
Frilford Heath in the English county of Oxfordshire,
has showcased a six-hole course that aims to make
golf more accessible to beginners, who are able to
play a round in 60 minutes.
Experienced golfers will take a lot less time and
have fun in the process of practicing their short
game. The longest hole is 78 yards and the shortest
33 yards.
The Yellow Course has been designed specifically
to make golf more accessible and encourage young
people and beginners to play the game and achieve
a good standard.
The opening tee shot was taken by 100-year-old
Frilford Heath member Hugh Chamberlain, who
played an exhibition match with six-year-old Will
Donnelly, Rob Harry, a graduate of Frilford’s youth
development programme, and Eddie Pepperell,
fellow member and European Tour player.
The idea for the Yellow Course was conceived
two years ago by the Frilford Heath management
team and has been in development for the past 12
months.
Pepperell welcomed the new course. He said: “It’s
so important to make golf inclusive if we want it to
remain as one of the UK’s leading sports. There are
many people who may be put off playing a round
of 18 holes because they are worried about their
ability and the time it takes.
“This course means beginners and those new to the
game can come and play a quick round to gradually
improve their game with confidence.”
With its commitment to protecting nature and its
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Frilford
Heath ensured that all nature removed for the new
course was replanted in other areas of the club.
Eighty scots pine and fir trees were replanted on
the estate to ensure they were preserved.
Golf Industry Central I Spring 2017
39