Linden Hall has partnered with Elite Golf Academies to create an exciting new practice and coaching facility as Macdonald Hotels continues its significant investment in the Northumberland venue.
With investment from both Macdonald and Elite, the driving range has been fully refurbished. Working with the Elite team, led by Steve Bainbridge, two Trackman studios have also been created, with plans to grow the facility to three teaching and custom fitting bays this year. The refurbishment has also seen a complete overhaul of the driving range, along with the arrival of thousands of TaylorMade range balls.
“It’s very exciting to be creating something new at Linden Hall,” said Steve. “We’re looking forward to creating something truly industry-leading here, with a partner that understands our growth plans and how much we want to deliver for golfers at every level – from junior and beginner coaching right through to player development pathways to reach the top of the game.
“Working alongside Macdonald and the Linden team, we want this to be the premium practice and golf course facility in the North East of England.”
As well as the work on the driving range, which has included creating additional targets and practice zones, work has also been done to improve the short game practice area. There are also future plans to broaden access to ball tracking technology to all bays on the range, and expand the number of covered bays.
“This major investment is all about creating a facility where players can develop – from the first time they put a golf club in their hands to when they’re preparing to compete in tournaments – with long game and short game practice areas and technology, coaching, and custom fitting all available in one place,” added Steve.
As part of the new partnership, Elite has already grown the junior membership at Linden to 37 players – and counting. These golfers will each be invited to be part of the club’s junior development pathway along with any youngsters joining this summer.
“The junior programme is going to be a huge part of our partnership,” added Steve. “Our team – myself and Mark Penny, Matthew Naylor, Jonathan Levey and Joe Clements – have a great passion for growing the game and developing the golfers of the future. To be working with Linden to do that is huge and we’re very excited to see young players come here.”
Jeff Mills, Macdonald’s national golf sales director, added: “Our new partnership with Elite Golf Academies will transform the coaching and practice offering at Linden Hall, creating one of the best facilities of its kind in the region. To be able to work with Elite on this project has been fantastic, and I know Steve and the team will bring a great deal to Linden Hall – both in terms of coaching and beyond that to areas like junior development and enhancing our golf day experience.
“The investment in the facility is another major step forward for Linden. We’ve been improving a great deal in the last three years, including the development of the Linden Tree pub, major works on the bunkering in 2023, and planned drainage works across the golf course in 2024. This significant programme, covering areas on and off the golf course, presents a fantastic overall package for members and guests – and we’re excited to get people onto the range, practice facilities and golf course to experience what Linden has to offer.”
A new academy membership has been launched at Linden, with unlimited range balls and access to the short game area for just £50 per month.
New members can join Linden Hall today from just £39 per month (no joining fee) – and receive a voucher pack valued at £600. For more information call 01670 500 011 or visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/linden-hall/golf/golf-membership
Junior golfers play for free at Linden (T&Cs apply). See the membership page on the website for details and contact Steve on info@elitegolfacademies.com
Summer golf breaks at Linden Hall are available now, visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/linden-hall/golf for the latest offers.
For more on Elite Golf Academies, visit www.elitegolfacademies.com
