Manchester Golf Club in England has new practice facilities designed by Gaunt Golf Design and built by driving range development specialist Booth Golf & Leisure.

“Manchester GC had long struggled with their practice facilities,” said Gaunt. “The range was positioned in a low-level, boggy part of the site, alongside the railway line and it often became unplayable in winter due to a waterlogged outfield.

“The club made the bold decision in 2020 to ask Booth Golf & Leisure to make a planning application for a new driving range and short-game area that would be designed by Gaunt Golf Design and built to a high standard. It would also, most importantly, provide the club with a new and exciting profit-generating facility that very few clubs in North Manchester could match.”

The new facilities include a 300-yard driving range with Trackman technology, a short-game area with a 500-square-metre practice green and two bunkers, all built to the same standard as the club’s Harry Colt-designed course. The grow-in of the facility was complete by late 2023 and has been a hit with members this year.

“Using a sustainable soil importation scheme, we were able to provide the new facilities at no cost to the club,” said Rob Bristow, head of Booth Golf & Leisure. “We provided a complete package from initial planning permissions and masterplan design work all the way through to construction and finishing works.

“The result has elevated the practice facilities in line with the club’s quality 18-hole course. It one of the best practice experiences within the Manchester area.”