JCB’s straight drive to the big time

The spectacular 17th green at JCB’s Golf and Country Club

One look at the daunting 17th green at JCB’s Golf and Country Club would have most players quaking in their golf shoes.

Yet the spectacular course has been chosen as the venue for a prestigious Legend’s Tour event.

The JCB Championship, with a prize fund of €600,000, will be hosted by Ryder Cup and European Tour star Darren Clarke.

The event will take place at the Staffordshire club in July 2022, a week after the Senior Open at Gleneagles, and profits will be donated to JCB’s NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal.

Anthony Bamford said: “When JCB set out to create a world class golf and country club, it was always our ambition to attract an international tour event, so it really is wonderful news that the course has been selected to host such a prominent competition.”

Darren Clarke said: “I’m extremely proud to be hosting The JCB Championship. Knowing JCB as a company and having been fortunate enough to visit JCB’s Golf and Country Club, you can be certain that this will be a fantastic event and I’m very much looking forward to it.”