How do you show off a golf course that’s not yet open? That’s the challenge faced by the team at Glendale Golf, with London Airlinks Golf Course set to open in 2023.

The £multi-million project will result in one of London’s best golfing destinations. Taking inspiration from Scotland’s famous links courses, the brand new 18-hole layout features dramatic dunes, burns and water features.

Course construction was completed in November 2021 and it’s now well into its ‘growing-in’ phase.

But back to the first question. Using course design technology from PGA 2K21, a ‘virtual’ version of London Airlinks Golf Course has been created, and it’s incredibly realistic. Every mound, water feature and tree from the real thing has been transferred to the virtual course.

Head of Golf for Glendale, Jon Dummett, explains:

“Designing, constructing and maintaining a new golf course is complex. There’s a huge amount of work involved, but I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. London Airlinks Golf Course is shaping up to be London’s must-visit golfing desination, with an 18-hole layout inspired by the UK’s dramatic coastal links courses. We’re on track to open in May 2023, but we wanted to start showing off the course right now.”

Jon continues:

“Sand in bunkers, flags on greens and striped fairways are what defines a golf course. While the golf course is coming on really well, it won’t look like a golf course until the final details are in place next year. So we created a virtual version that’s ready to play right now.”

Using a combination of LIDAR (laser mapping) data and aerial photography, a virtual course has been created. Not only can you view virtual course tours online, you can actually play the course in PGA 2K21 – the world’s most popular golf video game. Just search for London Airlinks Golf Course in the game library.

So if you’re curious to experience a ‘meta’ version of a golf course before it opens in real life, head over to glendalegolf.co.uk and take a virtual tour of London Airlinks Golf Course!