Andy Weeks, the principal at Hi-Nets – the leading specialist for high golf range netting in Europe – came up with the fantastic design, which has successfully been used in many golf ranges as a temporary measure to allow for imported material adjustments to the landscaping of the golf range surface. Essentially, the golfer hits into a very large net: the net is deep enough to allow the initial flight of the ball to be seen and enjoyed, but there is virtually no chance of any ball escaping from the net, as it also encloses the range with a netted roof. The pod utilised Andy’s bespoke scaffolding towers, which he uses to support netting structures of up to 35m. These latticework, galvanised structures have enormously high engineering tolerances and can cope with any strain imposed on them by the weight of the net and the strength of the wind. They also look fantastic. The design Andy chose for the GolfPod was one whereby the scaffolding towers are splayed outwards, to counter the weight of the roof net and the side and back elevations. 

The towers at Basildon are 7 m high at the front and rise to 9 m high at the back of the range. This allows for lofted shots to be enjoyed within the GolfPod as well as lower shots, such as woods, drivers and rescue clubs. 

The problem with roof nets is that heavy snow can bring about their complete collapse. Obviously Andy Weeks was aware of this, and so has built in a quick release method of dropping the roof net in such circumstances using a pulley system. The net can quickly be returned to its correct position once the danger of snow has passed.

The GolfPod can be supplied with or without the range canopy. The canopy is distinctive in shape and has the look of a crouching sports car. The modular system – which gives a basic bay width of 3.5 m and a depth of 6m – can be used as a traditional golf range structure as well as within the GolfPod. Sides for the canopy are optional, as are colours for the back sheeting, and a roller shutter can be fitted to the front of the structure to completely secure a single or double bay for teaching or custom fitting, etc.

When looking at the opportunities for the site at Basildon, Director Colin Jenkins had already ruled out a fully-fledged golf range, as to build a proper golf range, which had previously been proposed by the Jack Barker Group, would have torn apart the character of the course and ruined the flow of the golf. The teaching area, which is often used by other golfers wishing to practise, was not even 200 yards long, once the new putting green had been accounted for. There was also the issue of ball escape. When the course was saved from closure – much of which was down to the superhuman efforts of Mick Toomer and the local residents – it would have seemed extremely unfair and lacking in gratitude to then rain balls down on their back gardens in order to shoehorn a compromised golf range into too small an area. 

As a result, it was decided to keep the teaching area specifically for new players, and those receiving tuition from the professionals on site, and build a large netted golf range. The GolfPod was the perfect solution. 

Colin Jenkins added: 

“We are very pleased to have helped Andy Weeks and his colleagues get this product to such an advanced state. Whilst the Basildon model is a prototype, it has been very carefully designed and constructed and is well thought through for modern, practical usage. There is almost no end to the possibilities for this product and we are proud to have been a part of its conception. We will be delighted to show anybody around the GolfPod. We have only just started using our GolfPod, but we will be happy to share some of the financial information with select interested parties, so that they can gauge how it performs commercially.”

The finishing touch for the GolfPod was to have the range outfield completely covered by artificial turf. Huxley Golf was chosen to undertake this task, and trimmed not just the outfield, but also the teeing area of the GolfPod with their finest sports surfaces. It looks absolutely fantastic.

For Basildon, it was decided that to use the facility mainly as a warm-up opportunity and so priced the golf balls at just £1 for 20. The dispenser has been set to only vend this number of balls and was built by European Golf Machinery to stand outside, in all weathers, using a car battery for power initially.

With its location immediately next to the first tee, it is very popular with golfers who either wish to warm up prior to the game or kill a little time while they wait for their starting time. It is also extremely useful for teaching and the feedback from the first part of the ball flight is considerably more useful to both golfer and teacher than one would at first consider.

Best of all, the GolfPod allows a golf range experience in a small contained area, in complete safety and one that gives worthwhile practice. The Basildon prototype occupies just under 400 m² with five outside bays and two covered. Additional technology such as ball tracking devices, launch monitors and video equipment can create an even more specialised environment for the golfer or teacher.

GolfPods will also generate a decent income from the range balls vended. Obviously golfers can walk forward and retrieve balls from the surface of the range, so this requires careful monitoring and appropriate signage.

Golf Features spoke to Andy Weeks:

“We are delighted with the first GolfPod. It looks great, it is providing meaningful practice for many golfers and also it is a great place for a teaching team to ply their trade in all weathers. We can build a GolfPod to almost any dimension, so it is possible for a golf club or any facility to provide practice for their clients in a space and position which was previously impossible. We have worked closely with OGRO to make sure that this product is as good as it can be. It is entirely safe, offering no opportunity for ball escape or rebound, and we are convinced that it will allow people to develop golf ranges in urban areas and take the game to the masses. All golfers and golf operators – and even those that are just interested in having a good look – are welcome to visit Basildon and see and experience the GolfPod at first hand. I’m sure that Colin and his team will look after them and answer any of their initial queries.”

GolfPods will be part of the future of golf and we predict that they will be seen all over the country in ever more convenient locations to catch the busy would-be golfers of today. A GolfPod is also a great fit with an adventure golf course, as the excitement that is generated by the adventure golf can be immediately turned into learning how to play ‘real’ golf. The opportunities are infinite.

For more details please contact:

Andy Weeks on: 07980 223325 or 

Colin Jenkins: 07768 887033.