Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Designs Golf Course -- Video

Posted on Aug 24th 2010 8:00AM by Amy Sciarretto Comments

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There is no doubt that Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing is a metal legend and that his fret work is revered by metal fans the world over. But he has other skills in his repertoire that require a dexterous usage of his hands -- including golf. In fact, he helped to design a golf course located in Shropshire, England at Astbury Hall. Downing has owned the hall since 1985.

The course is scheduled to open next month with -- what else? -- a celebrity tournament. While the first nine holes he designed have been played by small groups since they opened this year, the remaining holes will be unveiled and the course -- covering 150 acres -- will be opened fully to the public.

"Astbury Hall has been borne from my experiences on golf courses from around the world and I am fortunate enough to have played some of the finest the world has to offer and I feel privileged to have been able to create a property that encompasses all my cherished experiences," Downing told The Shropshire Star.

Downing also commented on how both his careers in the world of guitars and golf have allowed him to explore his creative side. "I have been lucky to work in two industries that have allowed me to be so creative," Downing said, "especially golf course architecture, which has enabled the visions in my head to be transformed beautifully into a reality."

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