GOLF: The Suffolk Golf & Water Park at Bramford has proved a very welcome addition to the Suffolk golf scene.It only opened on September 1, but in less than three months the new set-up that at the moment includes a floodlit driving range and a small nine-hole course, is proving popular with golfers of all ages and abilities.

GOLF

THE Suffolk Golf & Water Park at Bramford has proved a very welcome addition to the Suffolk golf scene.

It only opened on September 1, but in less than three months the new set-up that at the moment includes a floodlit driving range and a small nine-hole course, is proving popular with golfers of all ages and abilities.

"It's gone better than we expected," said Sarah Wilson, who has been a professional for 20 years and started out at the old driving range that Johnny Johnson used to run in Bucklesham Road.

"I'd like to think that we are the right price – not ripping anybody off – and that we're welcoming. We've got nice people here who are genuinely interested in what they do.

"We've got excellent facilities, and we're not aiming at any one particular market."

The Suffolk Golf & Water Park, that will open a par 33 nine-hole course in 18 months time, is certainly impressive with a spacious professionals' shop and bar and lounge.

Closing only Christmas Day, there is plenty on offer during the holiday period.

On Monday, December 23 there will be a kids' competition for the under-10s and under-15s. Sponsored by SGR, it will be played over 18 holes for the cost of a fiver with prizes at the end. Anybody is welcome to play.

The day after Boxing Day, December 27, an 18-hole foursomes adult and child competition will be held, starting at 1pm.

You don't have to be members of the same family to take part, and again the cost is £5 which includes green fees and prizes.

Two days later a night golf challenge will be held, starting at 5 pm. Suffolk Golf & Water will supply the balls that when hit flash for the next five minutes.

"You can't lose a ball," said Sarah.

"But all competitors must bring a torch with them."

The competition will be played over nine holes, and the cost is £7.50 that will include mulled wine and mince pies.

At the start of the New Year, on January 3, there will be an open morning with the aim to give any children that have not played golf before a 15-minute golf lesson free of charge.

The age limit is under-16 and lessons will take place between 9am and 1pm.

Since Suffolk Golf & Water Park opened, a junior club has run on Saturday mornings, and last Saturday those players collected their bronze certificates.

Any new juniors who want to sign up to join should do so between 9-10am on Saturday, January 11.

The cost is £3 per week and all equipment is included.

During January quiz nights will be held, while a Christmas menu will run until January 6 with a four-course meal costing £12.50.