Golf has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. I’m currently a member of Tylney Park Golf Club, but my journey began at the Basingstoke pitch and putt. A place that offered me my first taste of the game and helped shape my love for it. Today, my son Oliver is following in my footsteps, beginning his own golfing journey at the very same venue. It’s a place that has nurtured generations of golfers, and I fear we’re on the verge of losing something truly special.
For those of us who’ve watched Justin Rose rise to international acclaim over the past two decades, it’s worth remembering that he, too, was a local to Basingstoke. It’s entirely possible that he once stood on the same turf we’re now being asked to give up. If we allow these facilities to be diminished or poorly relocated, we risk losing the next Justin Rose, not because of lack of talent, but because of lack of opportunity.
Currently, Basingstoke has five golf courses that offer public access to driving ranges. These courses benefit immensely from beginners who start at places like the pitch and putt, gradually building their skills until they’re ready for full-sized courses. The pitch and putt is the only facility of its kind in Basingstoke, and its importance to the local golfing ecosystem cannot be overstated.
Mike Hogan urges the council to reconsider its pitch and putt plans at Down Grange (Image: Mike Hogan)
Unfortunately, the existing driving range at the Leisure Park is already falling behind in quality compared to facilities in nearby towns like Winchester, Camberley, and Bracknell. Since the pandemic, golf has seen an 18 per cent increase in participation, and the demand for modern, high-quality facilities is clear. This relocation should be an opportunity to bring Basingstoke’s golfing infrastructure up to date—not to reduce or compromise it.
What concerns me most about the proposed move to Down Grange is the apparent lack of fencing around the new facility. The current pitch and putt is securely enclosed, ensuring safety for both players and the public. The idea that people could freely walk through the new site while golf is being played is deeply troubling. As a parent and a pet owner, I would be horrified if a stray golf ball were to injure a child or a dog. Moreover, I do not expect to need personal liability insurance just to enjoy a round of golf.
There are clear bylaws in Basingstoke that prohibit golf in public parks, and I struggle to understand why this new facility should be treated differently. Without proper fencing, how will usage be managed? How will vandalism be prevented? Damage to a green can take a year or more to repair, and there are countless examples of this happening to golf courses elsewhere. Who will bear the cost if it happens here?
The proposed facility also falls short in scale. A six-hole pitch and putt is not equivalent to the current nine-hole setup and may deter visitors who feel the reduced offering isn’t worth the cost or travel. The driving range plans, which appear to involve small netted pods, are also not a like-for-like replacement. These setups are costly and may not offer the same accessibility or experience as the existing range.
In summary, I urge the council to reconsider this relocation. Let’s not settle for less. Let’s use this opportunity to invest in a facility that meets the growing demand for golf in our community, supports beginners and families, and ensures safety and sustainability. Basingstoke deserves better, and so do the future generations of golfers who will one day call this town home.