“From the beginning we wanted to create somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time”

Gary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive

09:00, 21 Mar 2026

Need Golf Centre

It was once an empty agricultural field on the edge of South Cheshire – now it’s just been named as the number one golf facility in the country. Need Golf, founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs James and Sophie Need, has been crowned England’s No.1 Golf Facility for 2026 at the prestigious England Golf Awards.

It’s the highest national recognition a golf venue can receive. The award recognises the Nantwich-based centre’s outstanding commitment to inclusivity, community impact and redefining what a modern golf venue can be.

Six years ago, the site was an empty field. Today thousands of golf balls are struck there every day thanks to the bold vision of a couple determined to change the way golf is experienced.

Both James and Sophie believed the sport needed to evolve as traditional barriers such as formality, exclusivity and accessibility were preventing new people from discovering the game. Their idea was simple – create a place where anyone could turn up, pick up a club and enjoy golf without intimidation or barriers.

James and Sophie Need

No membership is required, there are no dress codes and pre-booking is not required. Open seven days a week, the centre allows golfers and beginners alike to practise on a technology-powered driving range, play interactive games using ball-tracking technology, or simply spend time with friends and family while enjoying food and drinks delivered directly to their bay.

England Golf described Need Golf as “a movement reshaping perceptions of the sport”, recognising the team’s passion and commitment to making golf more accessible. Co-founder James Need said: “From the beginning we wanted to create somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time – whether they’re serious golfers or simply coming with friends and family To see something that started as an empty field become England’s number one golf facility is incredibly special.”

Co-founder Sophie Need added: “When we started six years ago the field didn’t even have water or electricity – it was just a dream. Now we’ve built something that brings people together and we’re incredibly proud that a small Cheshire village is home to England’s number one golf facility.”

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