Ian Poulter Opens Stunning New World Class Course

The new Royal Norwich course at Weston Estate opened on 16th September with Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter playing the inaugural round to mark the completion of the 10-year vision to create a world class sporting venue in the region and recognise the first time a ‘Royal’ golf course has ever relocated to a new site.

The completely new 18-hole genderless course has been designed by Ross McMurray of European Golf Design and built by the UK’s leading golf course contractors to the highest industry standards. It will be capable of hosting some of the sport’s leading events in the future.

The new site will also include a 6-hole academy course, built to the same specifications as the main course and designed to both encourage new players into the sport and limit playing time to under an hour – something which has been identified as key to growing engagement in the sport.

“The whole of the golf industry has been waiting for this project to come to fruition, so we’re absolutely delighted to finally open our stunning new course,” said David Coventry, Chairman of Royal Norwich. “As an organisation we have been working on this project for over 10 years, and to finally see the finished article, is a testament to the staff, partners and members who have all worked, day and night, to create a truly world class sporting and leisure facility for the county. We’re therefore honored to have Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter play the first ever round, someone who has embodied the spirit of passion and commitment in modern golf.”

Phil Grice, General Manager at Royal Norwich, and Chair of the Golf Club Managers Association said: “The world of golf is evolving rapidly and the traditional golf club needs to keep pace with today’s faster-moving lifestyles. Royal Norwich has done just that with a course designed to the highest standards combined with a vision to encourage wider participation at every level of the game.”

“We believe that by creating a modern place to enjoy your leisure time, which is open and friendly, we will see Royal Norwich flourish and we have had interest from all over the world in how we’ve planned and executed the project.

“Our approach seems to have worked as demand to play at the new course is extremely strong already and membership of the club is at an all-time high – having risen over 150% in the last two years.”
Ross McMurray commented: “It’s been a real thrill to have played a part in bringing the new Royal Norwich to fruition and incredibly exciting to see the golf course take shape over the last two years. I am absolutely delighted with the results and I’m sure that it will be a very happy home for the golf club. My congratulations go to all the Royal Norwich members and especially to the golf course development group for having the foresight, belief and patience to create something so special and which, I believe, will set a benchmark for golf clubs of the future.”

In addition to the course the new site includes a state-of-the-art practice range and a Turf Care Centre of Excellence on a par with the country’s very best green keeping facilities.

Following the opening of the course the new clubhouse will be officially launched later in the year, designed and built to offer outstanding facilities for leisure and business. The Stables, as the clubhouse will be known, will boast modern meeting rooms, a restaurant, micro-brewery, bar, pro shop and changing facilities for members and guest.