A NEWTON Aycliffe golf club has suffered a financial hit after bad weather forced a prolonged closure.

Oakleaf Golf Complex, off School Aycliffe Lane, was closed for two months and with no signs of the weather letting up they are unable to predict when it will reopen.

Julie Welch, golf manager said: "It's very frustrating because we had a really good year up till that point - the figures were up so it's taken a real nose dive."

Without the footfall, the Pro Shop has also been hit hard as golfers have not been buying the usual Christmas presents.

However, the club was able to open the course for six days this month when the cold snap caused the ground to harden.

The driving range has also remained open since the end of November, though high winds have "put people off".

Now Julie and shop manager Marie Thompson are appealing for people to make use of the driving range and Oakleaf Sports Complex cafe.

They believe it is a "great time to learn" and are running taster days, ladies' only sessions and are visiting local schools in the hope of attracting more people to the facility.

A room is also set to be converted to provide an indoor space for extreme weather conditions.

Each day the green keeper assesses the course at 8am and makes the decision as to whether the course should open or remain closed.

It is unknown when the course will reopen.

For more information and to get involved call 01325 310820.