The Shire London has announced a programme of course alterations with European Golf Design, the architects behind Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, the JCB Golf & Country Club, and 2023 Ryder Cup venue Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
Jeremy Slessor, Managing Director of European Golf Design, said: “We’ll be starting with the 2nd and 17th holes at The Shire London this autumn, aiming to make tee shots more heroic, add more risk and reward, enhance the aesthetics, and improve the challenge still further. The Shire London is already an exciting golf course, and EGD aims to make it even more interesting for all levels of golfer.”
The Shire London director Ceri Menai-Davis said: “Heading into our 15th season with Seve Ballesteros’ fantastic original design, we thought it was time to refresh the challenge a little. Seve’s wide appeal plus our warm welcome to all levels of golfer has already made us one of London’s most popular golf venues, but continuous improvement is always our goal. The changes will make some parts of the golf course a little less punishing, and more picturesque.
“Having already announced our intention to work with EGD at the forthcoming The Legacy Club, we are thrilled that they will also be looking at The Shire London for us. Their track record speaks for itself, and we cannot wait to reveal what we have in store for golfers in about a year’s time.”
The Shire London has also revealed a host of other recent improvements including the addition of Golf Genius live scoring and TrackMan Long Driving to its golf days.
The club now also has a newly-turfed main practice area with three new covered bays and new practice nets. Close by is the club’s recently-built Conservatory and BBQ area, with a recently-upgraded short game area just beyond the 18th green.
In the clubhouse there’s even new gym equipment for those who like to pump it up a little before heading for the first tee.
Out on the golf course every tee has new markers and signage, and there’s a comprehensive course conditioning programme under the guidance of Head Greenkeeper George Stillwell who has joined The Shire London from the Ladies European Tour.
From May 1, green fees will increase to £75 during the week (£80 Friday) and to £90 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Summer golf days, which all include live scoring, a private room, a starter and a marshal, are available from £75 per head including refreshments, or from £87.50 including a post-golf meal.
Martin Robinson has joined The Shire London’s PGA coaching staff as Head of Academy, having arrived from The Montgomerie in Dubai in late 2021. Robinson joins Lee Cox and Harry Casey on The Shire’s coaching staff.
And after a recent refurbishment the pro shop now sells the latest gear from Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade and Cobra, with golfing fashions from J Lindberg, Galvin Green, Puma, FootJoy, Ecco, Nike and more.
The Shire London has also joined the IMG Prestige global newtwork of world-class clubs and resorts.