Expanding Horizons with Every Swing : Supporting LWC’s Golf Ambitions
Why is Golf Important?
LWC is passionate about Sport, Fitness, Health and Wellbeing. It always has been.
Although team sports are thriving here at the school, we recognise that many have a passion and skill for those of a more individual nature. We also track and monitor those sports that Sternians play when they leave LWC. Golf is one of those.
We are also aware that parents and pupils joining ask more and more about this game. We are delighted to be immersing ourselves in this journey.
Golf at LWC
Golf at LWC
There has been an explosion of demand from LWC pupils recently with approx 150 pupils from across the school wanting to take up the game, at all levels of experience.
More and more LWC parents have taken up the game too and are enjoying introducing their children to it, so are keen for them to access golf through the LWC co-curriculum.
We also entered into a partnership with Alton Golf Course in September 2023 meaning pupils, parents and staff have access to this wonderful, James Braid designed course, not to mention having an excellent Head of Golf in Craig O’Nions, alongside support from staff members and PGA golf professionals. The school is in the process of developing a Golf Academy here.
The Headmaster is, as we are sure you know, an avid player with a scratch handicap and was crowned Senior Champion at the 2024 National Speed Golf Championships in September. One of our 5th Form pupils was crowned Junior Champion too. LWC sponsor this thriving form of golf, alongside the R&A and Mizuno.
LWC already has a range of school golf teams who are starting to succeed in the school sphere. Last summer they reached the National Plate finals of the ISGA championships. They also went on their first Golf Tour in March 2024, playing the superb Princes and Royal St Georges Golf Club. This year, they head to Norfolk, where Brancaster and Hunstanton lie in wait. The scratch team also has players competing at regional and national level already. Several represent their counties and are keen to pursue the professional game in the years to come
Beyond LWC, we are working hard on creating more experiences for our Sternians. We are delighted to have formed an elite Sternian Golf Team, captained by Harry McGill (2018, Hazelveare), who will play in prestigious tournaments
against other alumni teams from schools across the UK. We were thrilled to have been elected into The Grafton Morrish competition, starting in 2025.
The LWC Golf Society is also growing all the time, with over 140 members. We host several sell-out golf days a year, and members catch games with each other in between. Courses include Bearwood Lakes, North Hants, The Army, Hayling Island, Blackmoor and Alresford.
Plans for New Golf Facilities at LWC
Some Sternians will remember LWC having our very own golf course – a 9-hole which sat in the corners of the pitches and close to buildings!
We aren’t proposing a full-scale golf course (unfortunately), but some state of the art, easyto-access facilities to practice on. These facilities would be available for pupils of course, but we also envisage offering them to parents, Sternians and staff.
Whilst we have high aspirations, we will look to phase these new amenities in over the coming years, depending on project funding.
Phase 1: Golf Practice Area
• 6 x Golf Nets
• Chipping Green
• Golf Hub (subject to planning)
• Basic equipment: Golf Clubs, balls etc.
• Advanced equipment: Golf Trackman
This will be a superb practice facility for pupils, parents, Sternians and staff, offering the opportunity to work on their swing without needing to head off to a golf course.
The 6 practice nets will be astroturf, meaning they can be used all year round. The Golf Hub will give golfers a chance for respite over refreshments whether taking the opportunity to talk through improvements in technique or simply socialise.
Artist’s
Impression of Proposed Golf Practice Area
GRASS CHIPPING
PUTTING GREEN
CAR PARK
GOLF HUB
HEALTH CENTRE
HAYGATE
BLOMFIELD GATES
HAZELVEARE& SUMMERFIELD
CENTRAL CAMPUS
HESTERS
Phase 1: Project Breakdown
Landscaped Golf Nets
Example of a Proposed Golf Hub Design
Phase 2: Putting Green £23,000
To enhance the Practice Area we would like to include a small Putting Green. This would be astroturf so that it could be used in all weathers and would really compliment the training that can be done in the rest of the practice area. Our young golfers will be able to practice another key aspect of their game.
Phase 3: Driving Range (Top Tracer)
The plan would be to have a 16-lane range – most likely built in two phases of 8 lanes. The hope is to then install another golf hub and potentially an additional chipping area.
Additional Aspirational Facilities
It would be amazing to enhance this offering further over time by the addition of a second Putting Green (grass not astroturf) - larger-scale, next to the Driving Range.
Why We Need Your Support
1. Championing the Next Generation of Golfers:
By supporting this project, you will be helping to inspire and nurture the next generation of LWC golfers - giving them the chance to embrace the game.
2. Laying the Foundation for Future Growth:
The installation of these practice nets is just the beginning. By supporting this project, whichever phase, you will be helping us to build a sustainable golf program that could become a hallmark of LWC’s sports offering.
3. Giving Back to the LWC Community:
Your connection to LWC runs deep. This is an opportunity to give back in a way that will make a lasting impact - not just for current pupils, but for those who will come through the Blomfield Gates in years to come. Your involvement will ensure that golf becomes a cornerstone of LWC’s sporting life, helping prepare our young men and women for their futures.
How To Give
To discuss your gift further with Sam or Kate:
• Call 01256 860243
• Or email philanthropy@lordwandsworth.org
Or to donate today please click below:
DONATE
We welcome donations of any size.
If your gift is:
• £5,000 or more you will be eligible to join the Cedrus Club with Gold membership for £50,000+
• £20,000 or more there could be the possibility for naming rights if this is of interest.
We would also be delighted to discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities.
01256 860243 | philanthropy@lordwandsworth.org
Long Sutton, Hook, Hampshire RG29 1TB www.lordwandsworth.org/support-us
