The £30m development will be based around Woodseat Hall, an 18th Century mansion currently in ruins, that will be renovated to become the course clubhouse and a five-star hotel to accommodation visiting JCB guests from across the world.
The 18-hole, 7,150 yards, Par 72 championship golf course centre is expected to be completed in 2018, subject to planning consent. The course will be designed by European Golf Design – the golf course design company of IMG and the European Tour - best known for the 2010 course at Celtic Manor in Wales, host of the 2010 Ryder Cup. It will be built to tour-quality standard and JCB hopes that it could host a major tour event.
The course will be made available primarily to JCB’s global network of 770 dealers and golf is likely to become a feature of future JCB factory visits.
Lord Bamford said: “JCB is a global manufacturer with a successful track record in growing sales in overseas markets. As part of our plans to increase manufacturing capacity and grow sales, we need to build an even stronger awareness of the JCB brand around the world.
“Golf is a truly global sport and is a perfect fit for JCB as a global manufacturer as we look to develop strong relationships with customers and dealers worldwide. I’m not a golfer myself but I’m excited by the opportunity it presents us in driving our future plans for business growth.”
JCB chief executive officer Graeme Macdonald, pictured below in front of the ruins of Woodseat Hall, said: “The golf course will be the biggest marketing tool available to JCB in its history, helping grow sales and create jobs. If the course were to host a major tournament, the television coverage would certainly put the JCB brand firmly on the world stage. It would also help to raise the profile of Staffordshire and promote the county as a tourist destination to millions of people around the world.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
