WORLD FIRST: ‘VIRTUAL REALITY GOLF’ COMES TO PLAYGOLF NORTHWICK PARK

Incredible new simulators combine real golf with VR gaming technology

____________________________________

COME FOR A FREE TRY: 2pm-8pm WEDS 14 MAY to FRI 16 MAY 2008, 15-min free sessions with tuition!

BOOK YOUR VIRTUAL TEE TIME! Call Reception on 020 8864 2020.

Playgolf Northwick Park will next week become the first golf centre in the world to introduce new state-of-the-art HiSpeed Golf simulators - which combine the skills of real golf with the thrill of virtual reality gaming technology.

Four HiSpeed Golf simulators will be permanently in action at the Harrow, Middlesex centre’s driving range from Wednesday, 14th May.

Golfers who attend between 2pm and 8pm on Weds 14, Thurs 15, Fri 16 May 2008 will receive a FREE 15-minute taster session, with tuition.

BOOKINGS are now being taken at Northwick Park - call 020 8864 2020 to reserve your virtual tee time.

The simulators feature the most advanced golf analysis and computer game technology available. While golfers hit real golf balls down the range, a computer monitor in the driving range bay assesses swing performance and accuracy in a ‘game-playing’ environment.

For serious golfers, an ‘analysis’ mode can be used which records the ball spin rate, trajectory and distance hit as well as the shape and direction of the shot.

Players can select nine or 18 holes of ‘virtual golf’ and enjoy a helicopter view of each target hole before taking a shot. Depending on the quality and accuracy of the player’s shot the software calculates the outcome.

Or they can select ‘driving range’ and ‘challenges’ functions, which are designed to test their skill levels. The driving range function is a practice facility with targets ranging from 50 to 225 yards and run-off over 400 yards, while the ‘challenge’ mode includes longest drive and nearest the pin tests.

But golfers can also benefit from the simulator’s advanced computer game technology – which means they can test their skills against other golfers around the world in live online competitions.

HiSpeed Golf simulators are owned and operated by London-based Global Play Golf Ltd. They feature software developed by renowned Oxfordshire-based Gusto Games, whose previous projects include Championship Manager and ProStroke Golf.

Jimmy Wallace, Playgolf Northwick Park General Manager, said: “We are really excited about being the first in the world to install the new HiSpeed Golf simulators, which will be a great addition to the driving range.

“They are a truly unique experience and I am confident that golfers of all abilities – whether new to the game or seasoned players – will find them enjoyable.

“We are always looking at ways to improve what we offer members and visitors and this new equipment combines valuable golf tuition with top-level virtual reality entertainment.”

Playgolf Northwick Park opened in 2005 and is home to the revolutionary ‘Majors’ golf course, featuring full-size ‘tributes’ to great golf holes from the world’s great championship courses, including Augusta National, Royal Troon, Royal Birkdale and The Belfry.

Last month (April) it became permanently set up to play PowerPlay Golf and is now regarded as London’s premier 9-hole course.

Peter Kershaw, of Global Play Golf Ltd, said: “Realistic graphics and an advanced synthetic striking surface make HiSpeed Golf the most comprehensive golf and gaming facility ever developed.

“It brings together the virtual and physical world of golf and we are delighted that such an innovative centre as Playgolf Northwick Park has become the first in the world to feature our unique product.”

A website at www.hi-speedgolf.com will launch soon.
     
Company Contact: Jimmy Wallace, Playgolf Northwick Park
Tel: +44 (0)20 8864 2020, Email: jimmywallace@playgolfworld.com
  
Media Contact: John Kelly, Hiseman Partners
Tel: +44 (0)1780 757537, Email: john@hiseman.com
     
NOTES TO EDITORS    
   
The Playgolf Northwick Park (www.northwickpark.com) complex features the critically acclaimed 9-hole ‘Majors’ golf course, a 56-bay floodlit and heated two-tier range, a large american golf superstore, the Premium Golf Schools teaching academy, The National Short Game Centre golf practice area, the 9-hole ‘Mini Majors’ Adventure Golf Course, a state-of-the-art gym called Uniq Fitness, the new Blue Zenzer ‘Italian fusion’ restaurant and the UK’s only fully automated baseball and softball batting cages.

HALF PRICE BASEBALL - IT’S MAY MADNESS!

From 1st May to 30th June, it’s 120 balls in our cages for just £10 - that’s 50% OFF the normal price!

 To get this offer, simply go HERE and register for our ‘Power of 9′ promotion (it’s free).

You’ll receive an email, which gives you a link to a voucher.

Print off the voucher, bring it to Northwick Park, and claim your half price baseball! It’s that easy…

BLUE ZENZER ‘ITALIAN FUSION’ RESTAURANT OPENS MAY 8TH AT PLAYGOLF NORTHWICK PARK

After several months’ refurbishment, the restaurant at Playgolf Northwick Park reopens on Thursday 8th May 2008.

Now named ‘Blue Zenzer’ (zenzer is Italian for ‘ginger’), the new-look place to eat offers customers a brand-new Italian Fusion menu, an improved bar experience, and a relaxing, welcoming mood for all visitors to the complex.

Perfect for after-golf refreshments, or a refill after a gym session, or a family meal after hitting baseballs in our cages - or for a tasteful dinner with friends or colleagues.

Come and sample the new Blue Zenzer restaurant for yourself!

SENSATIONAL NEW HI SPEED GOLF SIMULATORS MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT PLAYGOLF NORTHWICK PARK

Four new state-of-the-art golf simulators will soon take permanent residence on the Driving Range at Playgolf Northwick Park.

The new ‘Hi Speed Golf’ simulators have not appeared anywhere in the world before - Northwick Park customers will get the first look at these amazing new machines.

With two upstairs and two downstairs, interest in the Hi Speed Golf simulators is sure to be high - so make sure you book your session on them in advance.

Bookings for 15-minute tuition slots on the simulators are being taken now for the opening on May 14th, between 2pm and 8pm.

Watch this website for more details!

Contact Northwick Park on 020 8864 2020 to book your first session, or to find out more.

NEW 9-HOLE COURSE ROUTING REVEALED

The ‘Majors’ Course at Playgolf Northwick Park becomes 9 holes today (1st April, 2008).

NEW SCORECARDS are available in Reception. Green Fees are unchanged at £15 for one round (9 holes), and £25 for two rounds (18 holes). This is a 50% increase in value.

Here’s a guide to playing the new course.

• The first four holes are unchanged
• For the 5th, you play ‘OPEN’ HOLE, BACK TEE, LEFT HAND GREEN (’Royal Birkdale’)
• For the 6th, you walk back and play ‘OPEN’ HOLE, FRONT TEE, RIGHT HAND GREEN (’Royal Troon’)
• For the 7th, you play ‘MASTERS’ HOLE, RIGHT TEE, RIGHT HAND GREEN (’Augusta 16th’)
• For the 8th, you leave the 7th green and walk left along the path, keeping the Baseball Cages to your right, onto the new 8th tee
• For the 9th, you play ‘MASTERS’ HOLE, LEFT TEE, LEFT HAND GREEN (’Augusta 12th’)

See our new scorecard below - including our new 8th hole (Walton Heath 11th hole)…

Book tee times HERE

Or call Playgolf Northwick Park on 020 8864 2020.

TOP PUTT COMES TO PLAYGOLF NORTHWICK PARK - FOR JUST £1!

ONLY £1 for 10 putts - come and test yourself against your friends, and the Northwick Park pros! COME AND PLAY - ON THE RANGE.

See HERE

TopPutt is a natural progression from TopGolf, revolutionising putting in the same way TopGolf has transformed traditional driving ranges. It is played in a high quality indoor environment playing from a set position for all of the holes. Players aim from one hole to the next with scores being calculated depending upon the success of each shot, and bonus points being awarded to reward the skills of the player.

TopPutt is a modular two bay unit, complete with individual bay screens and a leaderboard identifying players and prize winners. TopPutt is fast, fun, interactive and an addictive indoor putting game, consisting of 10 balls per game. The objective of the game is to score a maximum number of points by hitting a sequence of holes within a carefully designed artificial putting green, utilising existing and new technology.

TopPutt is both compelling and competitive, information provided on screen offers clues to each player on how to achieve the highest possible game score and bonus points by hitting as many numbered holes as possible. TopPutt includes an additional ‘pressure putt’ on the 10th and final ball, by hitting a strategically placed ‘Prize Hole.’

FOR ALL ‘PLAYER’S CARD‘ HOLDERS

Come and play in our first Members’ event of the year!

The Northwick Park Masters takes place one week before ‘Masters Sunday’, on Sunday 6th April 2008.

This is a good chance for all Player’s Card holders to play their first competitive round on our new 9-hole golf course.

It’s JUST £5 to play in this 9-hole event, with prizes on offer for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Call Reception on 020 8864 2020 to get your name on the start sheet, or call in and see us!

DEMO DAYS IN APRIL 2008

What a month to try out the latest golf equipment!

We have FIVE demo days this month, starting on Tuesday 08 April. For all demo days, come to the front desk at the american golf superstore.

Tues 08 April, WILSON DEMO DAY: 16:00 - 20:00

Weds 09 April, YES! PUTTERS DEMO DAY: 10:00 - 14:00

Thurs 10 April, YONEX DEMO DAY: 16:00 - 20:00

Weds 16 April, TAYLORMADE DEMO DAY: 16:00 - 20:00

Thurs 17 April, CALLAWAY GOLF DEMO DAY: 16:00 - 20:00

Call the american golf superstore at Playgolf Northwick Park: 020 8864 4608.

11 YEAR OLD JAKE DUNNE SHOOTS LEVEL PAR

Playgolf Northwick Park’s six-hole course has welcomed Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomery, Paul Casey and Padraig Harrington in  its time - but 11 year old Jake Dunne eclipsed the Ryder Cup stars on March 30th with an amazing round of golf.

On a windy golf course, nerveless Jake shot level par around the par 20 six-hole course, witnessed by several parents and his golf coach, Adrian Cafaro from Premium Golf Schools.

This was three shots better than his previous best, 23, a few weeks previously.

Level par golf at 11 years old - Monty watch out! Northwick Park’s Jake Dunne has you in his sights…

Call Adrian at Premium Golf Schools on 020 8422 6697.

It’s a devil of an offer!

- - - - - - - - - - -

THE FULL STORY…

Popular Harrow golf & leisure centre Playgolf Northwick Park is laying on a ‘devil’ of an offer later this month (March) with a special 6-6-6 promotion.

Golfers can enjoy SIX holes of the ‘Majors’ golf course, on the last SIX days of the month - for just SIX pounds.

The special incentive at the Watford Road complex is being held to mark the end of the centre’s 6-hole course as, from Wednesday 2nd April, it will become a 9-hole venue.

Jimmy Wallace, General Manager at Playgolf Northwick Park, says: “Finishing touches are now being made on the new hole which will make us London’s premier 9-hole golf course.

“Our special deal for golfers commemorates the end of our 6-hole course and the beginning of an exciting new era at Playgolf Northwick Park.”

Each of the holes at Northwick Park is a tribute to some of the most famous holes in golf – including the 12th and 16th at Augusta and the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon.

The identity of the new par 3 hole - designed to play like its well-known double which has hosted one of the world’s most famous competitions - is strictly under wraps until 2nd April.

The new hole will play as the 8th hole on the new 9-hole course, which has been deliberately constructed so people can play a round of golf ‘around the world’.

In addition to becoming a 9-hole venue, Playgolf Northwick Park ‘Majors’ course will also be permanently set up to play PowerPlay Golf - the new way to play golf which features two flags on every green.

The Harrow complex also features a 56-bay floodlit and heated two-tier range, American Golf store, Premium Golf Schools teaching academy, The National Short Game Centre golf practice area, the 9-hole ‘Mini Majors’ Adventure Golf Course, state-of-the-art gym and the UK’s only fully automated baseball and softball batting cages.

The special £6 offer runs from Wednesday 26th March until Monday 31st March inclusive.

For more information contact Playgolf Northwick Park on 020 8864 2020, or book tee times online at www.northwickpark.com or on www.teetimes.co.uk

Call 020 8864 2020 to book your £6 round!