A new futuristic golf facility could be erected at a Rickmansworth course as plans are submitted to Three Rivers District Council.
Under the plans, made by Weller Designs Limited, Rickmansworth Golf Club would upgrade its services to feature a virtual practice / golf game facility.
Formerly known as a "GolfPod", the useful build includes warm up nets with ball tracking technology allowing golfers to practice all year-round.
A statement from Everyone Active, the owners of the course, said: "The addition of a GolfPod will greatly enhance the attraction of this public leisure facility and significantly improve the operational robustness of the golf course (including secondary spend at the clubhouse café)."
The GolfPod would be situated on a small section of the existing public (par three) course directly opposite the clubhouse. There would be ten divided bays with a synthetic grass practice tee on each bay.
Each bay will be 3m wide onlooking a synthetic grass “outfield” - the build will be 30m x 30m in size. The facility is surrounded by translucent black netting on four supports and trees, shrubs, neutral grassland and native herbaceous will be planted.
A statement made by the applicant read: "Golfers or non-golfers can either practice golf or just play a “Game” version eg “Bullseye” Magic Pond”, etc.
"Whatever the ability, through state of the art ball tracking technology, shots into the net 30m away are converted to either realistic virtual golf holes or a practice ground, or into fun Games which can be viewed by the players on the small bay-side monitors."
The virtual games will be aimed at young people and non-golfers who are using the clubhouse facilities.
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Weller Designs Limited believes the bays will provide a "modern, comfortable and safe environment" that can be used throughout the year.
"The facility brings with it an opportunity for employment in the form of teaching professionals, who can offer their services to individuals, groups, schools and colleges," it said.
"Particular emphasis will be placed on the encouragement of juniors to learn the game, with the involvement of local schools etc."
Plans are subject to a neighbour consultation until Wednesday, December 18.
To view the full planning application search 24/1843/FUL on the Three Rivers District Council planning portal.
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