This 6-hole academy course is unusual in that it is located at the DNRC – the national rehabilitation centre for wounded services personnel. Previously, they have been treated at Headley Court in Surrey, however, a decision was made to replace this facility to move to ma more central location. The project is being developed by the Black Stork Charity, which was set up by The Duke of Westminster. The target for the capital campaign to build the Defence facility is £300M. The money has been raised from major donations by individuals, charitable foundations and companies, both in the UK and overseas. The Duke of Westminster contributed £50M from the outset.
Beyond the perimeter of the Defence establishment, outdoor rehabilitation facilities such as trim trails and hand cycle routes and other sports facilities have been unobtrusively located in the Parkland, including a 6-hole academy golf course, practice area and putting/chipping green. Running tracks and hand cycle trails have been woven round the perimeter of the Estate and through the woodlands. Patients will also have access to the open space, landscaping and associated recreational features in the Parkland.
The golf course, built to a very high standard by John Greasley Ltd, is on a footprint of only 7 hectares and is designed to be multi-functional, as it can be played from the designated tees forwards or backwards. In addition, all the greens are in view from the practice area tee so there is an opportunity to practice every club in the bag. All greens and tees are built using artificial turf, which was chosen to eliminate the need for an irrigation system to be installed and to reduce ongoing maintenance costs. The new course is scheduled to open for play in Spring 2018.
Photo Credit: JG