The completion of the state-of-the-art facility is the first major milestone of La Grande Mare’s phased transformation, with the renovated and extended golf course to follow next summer, and golf performance director Sue Shapcott called it ‘fantastic’ to be able to put the centre to good use.
‘We’re aiming it at everyone, so whether you are interested in golf but haven’t played before and want to try it, then we hope that you’ll come here, feel welcome, feel golf is somewhere that you belong, and you can learn and you can grow and play,’ she said.
‘Whether you’re a recreational golfer who wants to improve your game, come on in.
‘If you’re an elite player who just needs fine tuning, then we have the technology that’s going to help you with that too.’
Housing 10 covered performance bays, dedicated instruction suites and a custom club-fitting studio, the Golf Performance Centre is purpose-built and can provide expert instruction supported by leading performance technology, making it an all-year round facility.
‘Obviously we’ve got covered bays, we also can close the doors on these studios, bring down the screen so we can use it when it’s dark or when it’s pouring down with rain. So there’s a lot that we can do here, regardless of what the weather’s doing.’
Shapcott brings extensive professional expertise, including a spell as head of training for the British PGA.
She has also worked with renowned instructor Hank Haney, who has coached Tiger Woods, having spent many years in America.
However, she also had a family link to the island.
‘I’m originally from Bristol, but my mother was born in Guernsey, one of the kids who was evacuated and then never came back. We always came back here regularly on holidays, so I have that connection with Guernsey.
‘I’d done some work with the Guernsey Sports Commission, who introduced me to Steve [Lansdown], so then of course, we have the Bristol connection as well.
‘I started talking to Steve pre-Covid about this facility and then Covid happened and everyone went on with their life.
‘Then earlier this year, Steve reconnected and said, “if you’re still interested, then let’s talk”. So here we are.’
And while the facility is open to all, Shapcott admitted that the owner might be first in the queue for tuition.
‘Everyone on staff has told me that that they’re my challenge, including Steve. And I think he gets priority.’
Bookings for range time, instruction and fitting will be available at www.lagrandemare.com.
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