Club's new par-3 academy course The doyen of golf commentators Peter Alliss opened the new £250,000 par-three academy golf course at Hadden Hill on Thursday, May 7. The new facility which has six holes varying in length from 110 yards to 170 yards and has sufficient drainage to allow for year-round play, gives Hadden Hill the complete complex - a floodlit covered range, two practice chipping areas, putting green and full length 6,563-yard par 71 18-hole golf course plus two teaching PGA professionals able to provide lessons for golfers at any level. John Cook, head coach to Berks, Bucks & Oxon (BB&O) and EGU coach to the East Midlands was full of praise for the facilities: "I can honestly say that the short game coaching facility is the best I have seen in England." Peter Alliss played in eight Ryder Cups and won 21 PGA tournaments worldwide, including three consecutive European Tour events. He has also designed numerous golf courses all over the world and written six books on golf. Known as the ‘voice of golf' it is for his witty and knowledgeable TV commentaries for both the BBC and ABC in the USA that he is now more famous. Before opening the par-3 course Alliss said: "Golf is for all ages and all people. It is a mirror of life." "I am delighted to see some youngsters here today, particularly the young girls from Didcot Girls School." Speaking to the girls he added: "The par-3 course will afford you the opportunity to learn the game. "I say enjoy your golf and tell all your friends to come and try out this great game. "We need you young people to come in and have a go. It's a great old game. Enjoy." English Golf Union (EGU) chief executive John Petrie said: "I congratulate Hadden Hill for having the vision to create this par-3 course which I am sure will be a great asset for all members and visitors of all standards of play." Among others also in attendance was BB&O president Iain MacCaskill, BB&O county secretary Peter Yorke, Oxfordshire Ladies president Jane Pezaro, Oxfordshire ladies captain Jayne Laurie, Wantage constituency MP Ed Vazey, and district and county councillor Patrick Greene . The total cost of the project was £250,000 including a partial grant from Sport/Golf England. Golf England also believes the facility will be a great asset to the club in developing your golfers and starting many into the game. So if you've not tried out the Course, start Playing Now ..........2 for one Vouchers now available in the Pro shop. Help yourself!

Click on the Image above for full photo Album of the Event    Buffet Club House Staff at the Event Liam, Stuart, Danny, Nicola Mickey and Sean