Pitch and putt golf returning to Bath
A Welsh company has signed a deal to reopen a course, while also creating footgolf and a cafe, at the Approach
A pitch and putt golf course is returning to Bath after one closed in 2020.
An 18-hole course us set to come back at the Approach green space after Bath and North Somerset Council announced they have signed a four-year contract with Swansea-based company Future Golf Ventures (FGV).
FGV are also set to create a nine-hole footgolf course and a cafe as well, with the facilities all expected to open in the Spring, 2023.
Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said: “We pledged to bring golf back to the High Common and the appointment of a new operator will make that a reality as soon as next spring.
"However, making the most of the space isn’t only about golf, as it’s a well-loved ‘green lung’ in the city that we’re keen to attract more people to enjoy.
"Walking and being active in nature is free and provides many health benefits."
“The introduction of footgolf will also provide a new, affordable leisure activity that may appeal to people who would not otherwise have visited for traditional golf.
"I’m pleased that the regeneration of this important green site has taken a big step forward.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their time and input to help us reach this point and appreciate that by so doing we have reached a solution we trust brings sustainability and certainty to the site.”
Rhydian Thomas and Roger Maliphant, Directors at Future Golf Ventures and Swansea Footgolf, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the preferred bidder to manage the leisure offer at The Approach and to bring back pitch and putt golf to the High Common.
"We have already engaged extensively with the community, prior to our successful tender, and will continue to do so on a regular basis, while we are custodians of the site.
"We also look forward to introducing a small, challenging Footgolf course, as a new activity, while being cognisant of the local heritage, environment and the biodiversity of the terrain.”
Alongside the golf, BANES Council say biodiversity will be increased with new planting, while some of the site will be left as a meadow to attract more insect species.