TIME FOR TEE…

Sgt Dale Wallace, ACS

RAF Halton has a very healthy golf society that compete in monthly medals and the RAF Chiltern Golf league, however the cost to practice the sport or have a membership at a club is very expensive especially in the current climate. This puts a sport that is designed to be social and inclusive for all abilities out of reach for those that cannot afford it. The RAF Halton Golf Committee identified that a Golf Simulator would not only establish a first-class practice but would also provide the opportunity for beginners to come and try the sport without having to invest in golf equipment or pay expensive driving range and course fees.

I approached the Unit and The Central Fund, receiving amazing financial and infrastructure support towards the project. The facility was installed in Jan 23 and is open to all serving personnel, civil servants, contractors and their dependants. The facility is free for dependants between the ages of 8-18 and is half price for dependants if the serving person is a full member. Membership is £30 per year, £20 for 6 months and £15 for 3 months. This membership fee covers the cost of consumables such as hitting screens, mats and projector bulbs. If personnel are not interested in becoming members but would like to have a go, they can contact the Golf Simulator committee to organise a hosted session. The committee member will then set up the equipment and run the session for them for a small rental fee.

The system is called Foresight GC3 and is a premium launch monitor and golf simulator. We currently have

12 PGA courses, driving range function and foresight fairgrounds software that allows you to play fairground games such as skeeball, target shooting, strength test, ten pin bowling etc. The fairground software is fun for any ability and is ideal for a team day/night out. The facility has a set of clubs for all to use but feel free to bring your own.

Gp Capt Garwood officially opened the facility on 06 Feb 23. The Stn Cdr took on the SWO in a one-hole challenge and played out a very sporting draw.

If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to organise a hosted session, please contact Sgt Dale Wallace dale. wallace498@mod.gov.uk or WO John Sanderson john. sanderson629@mod.gov.uk