[** EDIT -please note this was originally published on the 1st of April…. 🙂 **]
Last year we reported on proposals to convert a large part of Higginson Park into a golf driving range. These plans have now been approved, so work should start later this year.
Our original article received much attention and many comments against the proposals, particularly the need to cut down a number of large trees to create the required space.
Mavis Girteka of the Marlow Driving Range Group told MyMarlow “There is a decent range up at Harleyford Golf Club, but that’s a bit of a drive out of Marlow. Providing similar facilities right in the heart of town would cut down on car journeys, so it’s a very eco-friendly solution to a major problem – a severe lack of driving range access in town.”
She added “There may be some protests about the felling of a few trees, but we all know there are lots of other trees nearby. Marlow Common has more trees than it was possible to count when I drove through it recently. I stopped at 37, I could tell it was an impossible task.”
“In reality, people only use that part of Higginson Park for picnics when it’s sunny, which isn’t very often. They could still use the space as long as no-one is actually hitting golf balls at the time, or if they have their wits about them and can get out of the way quickly. Also, did I mention – it would create 2,000 jobs for Marlow?”
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We asked Mrs Girteka for more details on this impressive number of jobs, but she seemed not to hear, and sort of just stared off into the distance.
The plans were given added impetus following the recently announced State Visit by President Trump. It was revealed that King Charles will host the President for a reception at nearby historic Bisham Abbey. A keen golfer, President Trump declared he was interested in backing the driving range, for use during his visit.
On X President Trump said ” I hear the UK Government has done bad things, real bad things in the lovely city of Marlow. Some of my best people, and these people have brilliant minds, really the best in the world, have told me about the lack of golfing in the city centre. We are looking at ways to take over Higginson Park, ideally without force, to develop it properly for golfers, and rename it “Trump Park”. My people, tremendous people, suggested that name, it wasn’t my idea! Make Marlow Great for Golfers! “
