European Challenge Tour pro golfer on plan for Beverley site

As reported by The Press earlier this week, on June 19 East Riding of Yorkshire Council received a planning application to convert a vacant retail unit in Flemingate, Beverley, into a golf-themed sports destination.

No decision has been made on the application yet.

Flemingate features high street and independent retailers, restaurants, cafés and leisure attractions, all against the stunning backdrop of Beverley Minster. (Image: R & R Studio)

Professional golfer Sam Robinson and his wife Natalie said FORE! – the proposed venue’s name – will offer immersive sports gaming, crazy golf, and a social space for all ages.

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There are plans for the family-run venture to create a year-round destination for both serious golfers and casual visitors, the couple said.

Sam Robinson said: “FORE! would bring something completely different to Beverley, giving people the chance to try something new and exciting, even if they’ve never picked up a club before.

“We want FORE! to be more than somewhere to play golf.

“We want it to become a real social hub for the community – a place where people can catch up with friends, enjoy a drink, and have fun.”

The two-storey venue would feature four state-of-the-art golf simulator bays, including a VIP suite designed for larger groups, parties, and business events.

Professional golfer Sam Robinson and his wife Natalie are planning to launch indoor golf and entertainment venue FORE! at Beverley’s Flemingate centre – pictured here with finance director Chris Crookham and Head of Retail and Leisure Jason Platten, of Wykeland Group, owner and operator of the centre. (Image: R & R Studio)

Golfers would be able to practise on more than 500 virtual courses from around the world using advanced shot analysis technology.

The simulators would also offer interactive games and challenges for visitors of all ages and skill levels, making the experience accessible to everyone, Natalie said.

The proposed VIP suite would include a private lounge area with comfortable seating and a big screen, creating an exclusive setting for celebrations, networking events and corporate hospitality.

Upstairs, visitors would be able to enjoy a nine-hole crazy golf course, with a themed design to be revealed nearer the opening date, the couple said.

The upper floor would also include a bar and a relaxed seating area for socialising.

Mr Robinson, who has been a professional golfer since 2006 and has competed on the European Challenge Tour, would offer a limited number of coaching sessions at the venue, if the plans are accepted.

The coaching programme would also include dedicated ladies’ and junior sessions, delivered by other coaches.

Flemingate, owned and operated by Hull-based Wykeland Group, is home to a mix of high street and independent retailers, restaurants, and leisure attractions.

Jason Platten, head of retail and leisure at Wykeland Group, said: “FORE! would complement Flemingate’s existing retail and leisure offer perfectly.

“As an innovative, independent venture, it would bring something new and distinctive to Beverley, attracting a broad range of visitors and adding another reason for people to spend time at Flemingate.”