Practice Facilities

[Saville85]

So my biggest area of weakness is definitely my short game. Other than the 20 minutes I spend before teeing off I'm guilty of not practicing.
However this is something I'm looking to address. As it stands I'm not currently a member anywhere and whilst I can work on certain aspects at a driving range, I can't help but think having a dedicated practice green, bunker, chipping area etc would be more beneficial.
Do private clubs tend to charge for using their short game areas? It so any ideas on what a rough price would be?
And at a long shot any recommendations on a decent short game practice area in the Northamptonshire area?

 

[AmandaJR]

Most members clubs only allow members to use the short game practice areas. I'm sure the range at Pytchley (Kettering) has a short game area fully open to the public though.

 

[fundy]

So my biggest area of weakness is definitely my short game. Other than the 20 minutes I spend before teeing off I'm guilty of not practicing.
However this is something I'm looking to address. As it stands I'm not currently a member anywhere and whilst I can work on certain aspects at a driving range, I can't help but think having a dedicated practice green, bunker, chipping area etc would be more beneficial.
Do private clubs tend to charge for using their short game areas? It so any ideas on what a rough price would be?
And at a long shot any recommendations on a decent short game practice area in the Northamptonshire area?

Northants County have grass based practise ground with greens/flags and also a chipping green that I can remember. Brampton Heath (next door) has a range but cant remember a short game area. Collingtree another with range and also a chipping green/bunker for short game stuff. Dont remember seeing any practise facilities at Northampton golf club. None at Kingsthorpe (too small a plot). Whittlebury Park has a driving range short game area and a par 3 course (may be a decent option)

As to whether any let non members use them I dont know but expect unlikely.

Where do you play mainly?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Most clubs I know have facilities for members only. I know that Silvermere has a dedicated area as does Pachesham near Leatherhead around my way but that's about it

 

[Saville85]

Thanks for that list. I'm fairly new to the area so still finding my feet. Most of my golf is still around the west London/Herts area as that's where I'm from originally but so far I've played delapre a couple of times, cold ashby once and staverton park.
I see you're in Milton Keynes. Where do you tend to play?

 

[xcore]

Same problem as me, no club currently as I started late last year, going to bite the bullet and join a club as the green fees saving and practice areas make it worth while

 

[fundy]

Thanks for that list. I'm fairly new to the area so still finding my feet. Most of my golf is still around the west London/Herts area as that's where I'm from originally but so far I've played delapre a couple of times, cold ashby once and staverton park.
I see you're in Milton Keynes. Where do you tend to play?

Im a member at Aylesbury Vale which is 15 mins south of MK (between Wing and Stewkley), welcome for a game anytime. My roots are Hertfordshire (grew up in Broxbourne) so know that area too!

 

[woody69]

Any muni's near you? Alternatively, par 3s / pitch and putt courses?

 

[Saville85]

Im a member at Aylesbury Vale which is 15 mins south of MK (between Wing and Stewkley), welcome for a game anytime. My roots are Hertfordshire (grew up in Broxbourne) so know that area too!

Thanks I may very well take you up on that. Especially now the kids are back to school and I have my freedom again 👍