THERE is a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility on Teesside for golfers to work on their game, the brainchild of The Northern Echo’s columnist Ross Jackson.

The advanced PGA Professional has been a major player in providing opportunities to young and old in these parts in recent times and has tried to spearhead development within the North-East.

Jackson has already established one of the country’s best junior golf training programmes – highlighted by him winning the Bonallack Award in 2016 – as well as creating a regional junior tour, setting up a charitable foundation, representing the region at The Open’s R&A SwingZone and penning the swing tips column.

And the former Stressholme Golf Club teaching pro’s latest idea to drive the game forward is the creation of his own golf performance facility.

The Golf Performance Institute, based in Billingham, will host a launch weekend this Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4 (9-6pm), and it will include hourly equipment demonstrations.

It is open to all members of the public and is free of charge.

Jackson said: “Together with my team we have attempted to create a facility that offers the highest level of service for all your golfing needs and create a culture of success – you can practice on our virtual range or play on over 200 golf courses around the world.

“We can coach and custom fit at the very highest level; from the custom fit results we can procure bespoke equipment completely tailored for you.

“We are starting to supply golf-specific strength and conditioning and training programmes (all ages), psychological training, workshop services (equipment customisation and repairs) in addition to facility memberships and venue hire.”

Jackson is a popular coach with juniors and adults at the Ingleby Barwick Golf Academy due to the “cutting edge coaching equipment and expertise” he possesses.

He wants to take that to unprecedented levels this year after creating his own purpose-built facility.

Typically you would only ever locate a golf coach at a golf club or driving range, but Jackson is keen to use his unique insight with technology to buck the trend and utilise a combination of indoor and outdoor space at The Golf Performance Institute.

The new facility comprises two communal practice bays, two coaching and learning bays, flat putting green, moveable putting green (any slope), short-game area, golf-specific strength and conditioning area and workshop.

Jackson said: “Golf is stereotypically labelled as a sport of rigidity, rules and strict dress codes,

“The Golf Performance Institute has attempted to distance itself away from that stigma with its relaxed attitudes, no dress code and its single rule of having fun.

“Time and weather constraints are a major factor in UK golf.

“Our indoor facilities alleviate any weather concerns, whilst our game play makes golf fast.

“For example, you can play a round in an hour.”

The open weekend is free and open to all.

The days will provide the opportunity to sample the facility’s capabilities and speak to Jackson and his staff.

The new facility is at the Belasis Business Park in Billingham, TS23 4HN.

For further details contact 01642 561490.