Ipswich-based print and graphic design agency Mutual Media has undertaken a major diversification exercise to develop a state-of-the-art indoor golf and conferencing facility following a £50,000 grant from the LEP’s Business Resilience and Recovery Scheme.
The Golfing Hub near Sudbury, which opened on 16 September with a VIP launch event, gives golfers access to a TrackMan golf simulator loaded with more than 100 of the world’s best golf courses, comprehensive club and swing assessments, custom club fitting, a coffee lounge, pro shop and spacious meeting/conference room – all under one roof.
Former PGA European Tour winner, Ryder Cup star and Sky Sports Golf commentator Andrew Coltart and ex-West Ham and Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Allen McKnight joined around 20 special guests and 40 people who won a ‘Nearest The Pin’ social media competition for the chance to play against Andrew.
The winner of the ladies’ competition, Suffolk County Champion, Alice Barlow, took on Andrew over three holes at Valderrama, while the men’s competition winner, Mark Lewis, battled it out on the back 9 at Wentworth. Both challengers turned out to be victorious and will take the bragging rights back to their home clubs.
Andrew Coltart said: “The Golfing Hub is a fantastic set-up and Peter, Adrian and the other partners have done a tremendous job of putting together a facility of this quality. The hub provides golfers with the opportunity to practice on some amazing courses, get their clubs assessed and custom-fitted, and socialise with like-minded people. I congratulate the team and wish them every success.”
Mutual Media’s Director, Peter Brady, commented: “As a keen golfer and lifelong fan of the game, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to bring something like this to Suffolk. The big draw here, no pun intended, is that golfers can come in for a round on the sim, get some new clubs fitted – some of the most technically advanced in the game, I might add – host a business meeting and grab a coffee after in the same time it takes to complete a round on an actual golf course. And they won’t need to worry about getting caught out by the British weather!
“We also have a pro shop carrying the latest clubs from Bentley Golf and Vega, with more brands being added soon, plus a laser engraving facility for club personalisation. Another huge advantage here is you can come in and get fitted for a new set of clubs then watch them being made in the workshop through our viewing window, and take them home the same day. It tends to be at least an eight-week turnaround time at other facilities.
“The Golfing Hub really is a one-stop-shop for golfers, especially those who want to mix business with pleasure. Nothing quite like this exists in the region.”
Adrian Hensby, Partner in The Golfing Hub, added: “We chose Sudbury as the location for The Golfing Hub as it’s easily accessible from Colchester, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Braintree, Cambridge, Chelmsford and Stansted. The Golfing Hub is also Vega Golf’s new national fitting centre so customers will be flying in from all over the world to be fitted for their new clubs and they’ll get to experience the other delights Suffolk and Essex have to offer while they’re here.”
The Golfing Hub is open every day from 9am to 5.30pm (10am to 4pm on Sundays), but will also take bookings outside of those hours for groups, custom club fittings and networking events. To book a session on the simulator, a club assessment or fitting, or the conferencing facility, visit https://www.thegolfinghub.co.uk or call 01473 898506.
The Business and Resilience Recovery Scheme is now closed, but to find out more about other funding schemes and support available from the LEP, please visit https://newanglia.co.uk/funding
