Cheshire East Council highlights business success at award-winning Need Golf visit

15 September 2026

Cheshire East Council visited Need Golf Centre as part of its Made in Cheshire East campaign, highlighting the businesses and organisations helping to drive economic growth, attract visitors and strengthen the borough's reputation as a place to live, work, invest and do business. 

Council leaders met with founders James and Sophie Need to learn more about the remarkable growth of the family-owned business, which has transformed a former agricultural field near Nantwich into an award-winning destination attracting more than 50,000 visitors each year. 

Founded in 2019, Need Golf was created with the vision of making golf more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. Combining modern technology, professional coaching, hospitality and family-friendly experiences, the centre has established itself as one of the UK's leading golf facilities. 

The business has received national and international recognition for its innovative approach, including being named England Golf Facility of the Year 2026 and Toptracer Range of the Year across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Beyond its success within the sport, Need Golf has become an important visitor attraction for Cheshire East, drawing customers from across the region and beyond. Its growing profile helps generate spending for local hospitality, accommodation and tourism businesses while showcasing the borough to new audiences. 

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "Made in Cheshire East is about celebrating the businesses that help make our borough such a successful and vibrant place.

"Need Golf is a fantastic example of how ambition, innovation and a clear vision can create something genuinely special. From its beginnings as an agricultural field to becoming an award-winning destination attracting visitors from across the country, the business demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout Cheshire East."

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "Businesses like Need Golf play an important role in supporting our local economy, creating opportunities and strengthening Cheshire East's reputation as a destination for visitors.

"It was encouraging to hear about the company's achievements and future ambitions, as well as its commitment to making sport more accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds."

Sophie Need, co-founder of Need Golf, said: "We were delighted to welcome council leaders to Need Golf and share the journey we have been on as a family business.

"Our aim has always been to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, whether they are experienced players or trying the sport for the first time. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved here in Cheshire East and remain committed to investing in the facility, supporting the local economy and providing a first-class experience for our visitors."

The visit formed part of Cheshire East Council's Made in Cheshire East campaign, which showcases businesses, organisations and industries helping to shape the borough's future through innovation, investment and growth. 

Further information about the campaign can be found at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/madeincheshireeast