FA Commission Survey to see if there is demand for 9 hole course at St George's Park

Space age-and space for a 9 holer.

The Football Association is commissioning a survey to see whether there is demand for a nine-hole golf course to be built at England’s training base, St George’s Park.

If it gets the go-ahead the plan could also see ‘elite’ professional golfers using St George’s Park for their own training with indoor and outdoor facilities and simulators. We would, however, warn off Rory McIlroy after his unfortunate to say the very least injury last year before The Open.

The survey has been sent to people who have used St George’s Park in the past, and is being carried out by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. on behalf of the FA who will be aware that it could prove controversial. Some of the questions ask whether having golf at the site would be wrong, which we find a bit strange. What can possibly be the harm?

St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent, was built as a dedicated football site and was opened in 2012 at a cost of £105 million.

England players have complained in the past that it can be ‘boring’ based at St George’s Park and they would certainly be among those who would welcome a golf course being built. Steven Gerard has been a particular advocate for a course there, even if Hillside didn’t like the cut of his jib, which we thought was ridiculous.

We can hardly see why the facility would go against the ethos of a football centre. A nine-hole golf course would be a great distraction after the rigors of training, and they won’t be doing themselves any harm whatsoever. Let common sense prevail we would suggest.

For more on the Steven Gerard story click here or on the image below.