The proposal to build a new training facility at Wrightington Country Club is now dead in the water as Wigan Athletic Chairman Dave Whelan buys Charnock Richard Golf Course.
Possibly the biggest reason for Roberto Martinez leaving was because a decision was not forthcoming regarding this project, yet just 2 weeks after our ex-manager became the new leader at Everton, Mr. Whelan shows he was good to his word by having a plan ‘B’.
Club announce purchase of Charnock Richard Golf Club
Wigan Athletic can confirm that Chairman Dave Whelan has purchased Charnock Richard Golf and Country Club with a view to possibly developing the site as the club’s new First Team and Academy Training Ground.
The purchase and development of this site will be a key aspect of the club’s objective of securing Youth Development Category 1 Status.
As well as the 18 hole course itself, which lies a few miles to the North of Wigan alongside the M6 Motorway on the outskirts of Chorley, the 89-acre site, established as a golf course in 1994, comprises a club house made from the original farmhouse, changing facilities, bars, a restaurant and a function suite.
Wigan Athletic stress that the golf club will continue to operate as normal during the current golf season and all competitions and fixtures will be honoured.
The club will now be working closely with the local authority to discuss the process of applying for the necessary planning permissions. It is hoped that work could begin at the site by the end of the year.
The club can confirm that the previously outlined development near Wrightington Hotel and Country Club will now not be proceeding.