{"id":490030,"date":"2026-03-22T23:36:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T23:36:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/490030\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T23:36:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T23:36:21","slug":"the-once-empty-field-17-miles-from-stoke-on-trent-thats-now-best-uk-golf-venue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/490030\/","title":{"rendered":"The once empty field 17 miles from Stoke-on-Trent that’s now best UK golf venue"},"content":{"rendered":"

“From the beginning we wanted to create somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time”<\/p>\n

Gary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive<\/p>\n

09:00, 21 Mar 2026<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Need Golf Centre<\/p>\n

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\u2019s No.1 Golf Facility for 2026 at the prestigious England Golf Awards.<\/p>\n

It’s the highest national recognition a golf venue can receive. The award recognises the Nantwich-based centre\u2019s outstanding commitment to inclusivity, community impact and redefining what a modern golf venue can be.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

James and Sophie Need<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

England Golf described Need Golf as \u201ca movement reshaping perceptions of the sport\u201d, recognising the team\u2019s 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\u2019re serious golfers or simply coming with friends and family To see something that started as an empty field become England\u2019s number one golf facility is incredibly special.”<\/p>\n

Co-founder Sophie Need added: “When we started six years ago the field didn\u2019t even have water or electricity – it was just a dream. Now we\u2019ve built something that brings people together and we\u2019re incredibly proud that a small Cheshire village is home to England\u2019s number one golf facility.”<\/p>\n

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