GOLF: When John Reid took over as the owner of Brett Vale almost four years ago, he said the emphasis would be put very much on the course.John has kept true to his word, and one of Suffolk's youngest clubs has come a long way in a relatively short time.

GOLF

WHEN John Reid took over as the owner of Brett Vale almost four years ago, he said the emphasis would be put very much on the course.

John has kept true to his word, and one of Suffolk's youngest clubs has come a long way in a relatively short time.

"The emphasis is on the golf course, and always will be," said John whose son Daniel is playing a big role at Brett Vale on the administration side.

"I want this to be a golf club, and not a multi-function facility. I try to run Brett Vale as a members' club without a committee.

"I'm passionate about it. After all I've put the money in, and I regard myself as a disciplinarian rather than a dictator."

There have been significant improvements during the past year, for instance, and work is on-going at the moment.

John said: "The biggest problem was that the tees were too small, but we're in the process of enlarging them. Half have been done already."

John and his staff have worked hard on the fairways that he says "have come on a bundle" while by the end of the year there should be a lake put in around the 18th hole to "give it more character."

Opening soon will be a three-hole nursery course to add to the two chipping greens, a putting green and range.

Former Woodbridge assistant Paul Bate became Brett Vale's professional nine months ago after Robert Taylor had left to take up a similar appointment at Colne Valley.

"Paul's an excellent teacher," said John "and once the nursery course is open he will have tremendous facilities at his disposal."

While most of the attention has been focused on improving the course, the clubhouse has not been neglected.

A new impressive function room has been built, and John said the aim is to hold conferences that can be booked by ringing the club on 310718.

New changing rooms have been put in and there is balcony on two sides of the clubhouse that gives a panoramic view over the course.

Work in currently going on to the entrance to the clubhouse, but once that is completed, Brett Vale will boost one of the best facilities in the county.

Brett Vale only opened as a golf club nine years ago, but many changes have been made in that time.

The par is now 70 (36 out and 34 in) and off the back tees is a tough test of golf.

Brett Vale has been a welcome addition to the many fine and varied courses there are in Suffolk.

John Reid is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to make Brett Vale the very best.