The progressive Charlestown Golf Club is taking another giant leap forward.

The club, in the south-western suburbs of Newcastle, is already home to many of the rising stars of the PGA of Australia and the Australian amateur scene, including Jake Higginbottom, Blake Windred and Jye Pickin.

But its chances of unearthing the next big thing will be even greater when it adds a new commercial driving range later this year.

Charlestown GC general manager Joanna Mantle announced the “state-of-the-art” facility this week after 10 years of vision and research.

“It will attract a new demographic that will see golf participation and our membership increase significantly,” Mantle said.

“The new driving range facility will complement our existing 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse and open up opportunities to host more premier golf events in the region.”

“We believe it will redefine the face of golf in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region, with extended operating hours at night and access to the most advanced coaching and training facilities available.”

The new facility will include a 35-bay driving range, 24-bay public teeing area, 10-bay members only teeing area and a purpose-built coaching area.

It will operate seven days a week under floodlights with food and beverages available at the bays from the clubhouse.

Mantle said the range would cater not only to the golfing community, but also be available for corporate events, fundraising days and private functions.