A covered GolfPod practice facility has opened at the public Rickmansworth Golf Course in Hertfordshire, England. Its first customers played over the 24–25 October 2026 weekend, and the opening was reported in a golf-industry announcement on 30 October. This is the opening of a practice venue, not a newly constructed 18-hole course.
Ten bays in a compact space
The facility occupies a section of the former par-three and footgolf area opposite the clubhouse on Moor Lane. It has ten covered, illuminated hitting bays facing a compact synthetic outfield protected by netting. Toptracer is available in every bay, showing shot information on screens and offering practice targets, games and virtual-course experiences.
The short physical outfield is paired with ball-tracking technology and virtual displays; it should not be confused with a conventional long, open driving range. Shelter and lighting support use throughout the year, although severe-weather and safety restrictions can still affect opening.
Public access and prices
According to the operator's live information checked on 2 November, no membership or advance reservation is normally required. Visitors can arrive, choose an available bay and pay for golf balls using contactless payment. Published basket prices are £5 for 30 balls, £9 for 60, and £13 for 100; prices and opening hours may change. GolfPod presents the range as suitable for both beginners and established players, from simple target practice to interactive games.
Everyone Active manages Rickmansworth Golf Course on behalf of Three Rivers District Council. The council announced work on the ten-bay installation on 21 September, with an October opening then expected. The operator's current venue page and the 30 October industry report now substantiate that the facility did open, with first public play on 24 October.
The broader significance
Rickmansworth is GolfPod's third UK location, following Cranham Golf Course and Basildon Sporting Village. The model aims to make practice facilities viable on smaller areas of existing golf and leisure sites. A fourth UK location has been announced, but its construction was only expected to begin before the end of 2026: it should not be described as already open.
Sources: GolfPod official Rickmansworth venue page; Three Rivers District Council construction update, 21 September; Golf Business News opening report, 30 October.
