Wigan Athletic To Build Training Ground On Charnock Richard Golf Course

Relegated EPL side Wigan Athletic Chair Dave Whelan "has bought a Lancashire golf course with the intention of developing it into the football club's new training ground," according to the BBC. A club spokesperson said work could begin on converting the 89-acre (36 hectare) Charnock Richard Golf Club near Chorley "by the end of the year." The spokesperson added the course would "operate as normal" for the remainder of the current golf season (BBC, 7/2). In Wigan, Greg Farrimond reported Whelan purchased the 89-acre site at an auction on Friday, "with the view to develop it into a state-of-the-art facility." The move "also brings to an end original proposals to build on a plot of land by Wrightington Country Club; a move which had been met by opposition in the area." The club "will now discuss planning permission with the local authority in Chorley" (WIGAN TODAY, 7/2).