Led by the R&A, Golf It! is a new community-based golf and entertainment concept that is designed to make golf more accessible and inclusive. The new facility is designed by Holmes Miller and is being delivered alongside the redevelopment of Lethamhill Golf Course, located on the south bank of Hogganfield Loch, and will feature a range of introductory golf formats including a twist on pitch and putt, adventure golf and community putting greens plus a double-decker floodlit driving range and a new look 9 hole course for all the family to play. These will sit alongside other attractions and activities such as padel tennis courts, nature trails, bike hire and street food-style dining and drinks area.
The vast new indoor and outdoor attraction is a new innovation and marks a significant financial investment by The R&A whilst. More than 100 jobs will also be created alongside a range of apprenticeships.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: "Golf It! is an ambitious project and a fantastic opportunity for residents of Glasgow and visitors to the city to be introduced to the sport in a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment. The range of features at Golf It! makes this a destination like no other. We want this to be a place where everyone from this great city and further afield can feel at home.
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"Golf It! will enable people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to be a part of a community-driven facility that levels the playing field and provides new pathways into golf. It marks a significant commitment by The R&A to re-establish the sport's roots in the heart of Scotland and take golf into communities that may never have seen it as a viable, family-friendly activity before. In that regard, we want Golf It! to be an exemplar format for working hand in hand with the communities it serves. We are excited about getting the facility ready for its opening next summer."
The facility will include something for everyone new to the sport as well as those golfers who already play. The new nine-hole golf course will incorporate four sets of tees and an integrated ‘Go Golf It!' par 3 tee position on each hole to encourage people of all abilities to play.
Other features include a short game area with three adventure golf courses, Park Golf pitch and putt and a family putting green; simulators; a golf equipment library; retail by Scottsdale Golf; paddle tennis; an early years nursery and community a community orchard and gardens. A long-term education programme will also be undertaken across Glasgow with the aim of providing in-curriculum golf experiences to 42,000 children across the city.
Community partner, St Paul's Youth Forum is a youth project in Provanmill that aims to provide opportunities for young people across the East End of Glasgow. Young people from the project and local schools have planted a Community Orchard within the golf course and will be running On Bikes, a youth-focused bike charity which delivers free bike access on site.
Neil Young, Youth Team Leader at St Paul's Youth Forum, commended the move by The R&A to include opportunities that bring young people in the area closer together as part of Golf It!:
"This isn't just a centre for golf, it will become the beating heart of this part of Glasgow, pumping investment into the community and creating opportunities for young people.
"With training opportunities and an exciting education pathway at St Paul's Youth Forum, we're confident that Golf It! is going to be a facility the whole community can access and feel very proud of."
CCG are leading the construction of the development which is set to open in summer 2023.
