Staff WriterThe 3 Hammers Golf Complex has just scooped the coveted title of ‘Golf Facility of the Year’ at the England Golf Awards, outshining an array of high-calibre nominees from across the country.
That’s right—this modest venue in Coven has made quite a splash by demonstrating a level of inclusivity, community involvement, and diverse golf opportunities that would make any seasoned pro tip his hat.
In what can only be described as a triumphant week, 3 Hammers bagged its second accolade in less than seven days—picking up a bronze in the new business category at the Staffordshire Tourism Awards.
Not bad for a facility that has spent the past 39 years building a reputation as a pioneering force in golf.
The folks here understood early on that the great game isn’t just about clubs and swings; it’s about people.
By offering not only different golf formats but also non-golf activities, they’ve become a community hub—somewhere that welcomes juniors, retirees, underprivileged families, and even walking groups on any given day.
Over 1,000 local schoolchildren have already enjoyed free sessions at the venue’s dinosaur-themed Adventure Golf course, Jurassic Creek, within the last year alone.
It’s evidence that the team’s outreach efforts—particularly with schools, underprivileged youngsters, and disability groups—aren’t just for show.
Their recent collaboration with the National Autistic Society is a shining example, creating accessible routes into the game for individuals on the autism spectrum.
“I am very proud of the facilities we have at 3 Hammers, but this award goes to our incredible staff who deliver the welcoming, personal, inclusive experience that the judges recognised.
The 5 team members at the awards have worked here for 148 years collectively, which shows how much our team love the venue and everything it stands for,” comments owner of 3 Hammers Ian Bonser.
“Whilst golf is our business, our open-door policy means everyone is welcome. We are home to regular walking groups, dementia meet-ups and school groups.
Our golfers are aged from 18 months to 90 years old, so no day here looks the same here.
We don’t care what you wear or how you play golf, we just want you to have the best time possible while you are with us.”
You only need to spend a few minutes at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex to see how this philosophy works in real-time.
Everything revolves around a central reception that greets newcomers with the same enthusiastic grin—whether they’re heading to the Par 3 course, the Toptracer Driving Range, or the Golf Academy.
There’s a Bistro for grabbing a bite after a round, and the facility’s popular “Learn to Play” area has guided countless beginners along a pathway to becoming avid golfers or even pursuing careers in the golf industry.
More than 30 alumni have graduated into jobs in golf, including Tour players and internationally recognised coaches.
“Accessibility and affordability are the keys to our success,” comments Ian. “I hope more golf facilities see what we have achieved here and develop their sites to make them more attractive to their local communities.
We have players who started their journey with us 3 decades ago, brought their children here and are now bringing their grandchildren.
It does not matter to us whether they are playing adventure golf, hitting drivers on the range, playing the short course or practising on our indoor putting green.
Golf in all its formats, is still golf and the more participants we have the better.”
Judging by the families, social groups, and solo golfers who crowd through the doors each day, the recipe is working wonders.
In short, 3 Hammers has combined a down-to-earth invitation with state-of-the-art amenities—earning the respect of everyone from local amateurs to the folks behind the England Golf Awards.
If the future of golf means everyone can have a go, then this place may well be a perfect blueprint for courses everywhere to follow.
And, if the last seven days are any indication, the trophy cabinet might just need an extension.
