Farm diversifies with nine-hole golf course
A FARM is set to launch a leisure attraction later this month.
Ferneley’s Adventure Golf is being opened at Brickfield Farm, Leesthorpe, near Melton, includes a life-sized replica of Ferneley the bull – which sired a number of cows in the herd – and his mum, Faithful, welcoming customers to the nine-hole course.
Several of the holes incorporate farm implements as obstacles to negotiate on the way, and a vintage David Brown tractor straddles the sixth hole.
The final hole features a giant ice cream tub, a nod to one of the farm’s staples, Ferneley’s ice cream.
Vanessa Darlington, who runs the farm with husband Peter, said the family spent a lot of time during lockdown evaluating the business and decided to enhance its leisure facilities.
Ferneley’s Adventure Golf was the brainchild of the couple and their youngest son, Matt.
“As a 17-year-old boy growing up in rural Leicestershire, it was very clear to him that there was very little for his age group to do in the local area, so targeting the older child or young adult was a good market to tap into,” Vanessa said.
“Adventure golf appeals to all ages and can be played at multiple levels so is ideal for all the family.
Matt has helped design and manage the project from the start, working alongside Josh Bartlett, of Active Golf Projects, based in North Luffenham.
Several of his friends from Oakham Rugby Club have also lent a hand along the way.