GOLF: The latest phase of the huge improvements being undertaken at Seckford Golf Club has been completed with the official opening of the new clubhouse.

GOLF

THE latest phase of the huge improvements being undertaken at Seckford Golf Club has been completed with the official opening of the new clubhouse.

Barry Kinsey, who retired as club secretary last month, opened the building, that can now accommodate 100 diners in a superb new restaurant and conservatory.

The clubhouse is the most recent of a series of developments at Seckford that have transformed the club into one of the most welcoming in the region.

Since new owner Guy Robson took over last year there have been changes both on and off the course. Investment in new green-keeping equipment has paid rich dividends, with the fairways and greens now playing to a very high standard.

The club's professional's shop has also quadrupled in size, with PGA pros Nic Grundtvig – who is also general manager – and Simon Jay offering expert advice and Custom Fitting, and professional chef Phil Matthews has added a quality menu.

After cutting the ribbon on Friday night Mr Kinsey paid tribute to the club and said anyone returning for the first time after a couple of years would be impressed with the changes made.

"Guy has done a tremendous job and invested in the right areas. The greenkeepers have been able to make vast improvements in the presentation of the course, Phil has worked wonders in the kitchen, the Pro Shop is well stocked and now we have an extended clubhouse in which everyone can relax.

"I have no doubt that members and visitors to Seckford will appreciate the work that has been done, and I would recommend anyone to come along and see it for themselves."

Grundtvig said reaction to the new restaurant and conservatory, which both overlook the front nine, had been excellent.

"We are gaining a great reputation for being a golf centre that experienced players can enjoy and where people can learn the game in a relaxed atmosphere.

"When we took over we wanted to create a club that got away from the traditional, stuffy image of golf clubs. We therefore welcome families and juniors and were delighted that our hard work in this area was rewarded by the Junior Golf Foundation, which has made us an official starter centre for youngsters."

It means that Seckford is bringing more juniors into the game than ever before, something that PGA pro Simon Jay says is very rewarding.

He said: "We have a good driving range with target greens, which makes for an excellent base for teaching. Helping youngsters get into the game is very satisfying and already we have several very promising young players on board."

Seckford currently has a range of excellent green fee, lessons and membership deals. Anyone interested in finding out more should ring the club on 01394 388000.