A FORMER footballer picked a team of sporting friends to try out his new venture.
Ex-Newcastle United footballer Allan Barker opened his golf course near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday.
He was joined by Mick Martin, Richie Pitt, Dick Malone, Mickey Horsewill and Alan Shoulder with retired international referee George Courtney keeping order on the greens at the Eleven Arches Club, Flatts Farm on the banks of the River Wear.
Mr Barker, who was born in Bishop Auckland and played more than 30 games for Newcastle in the Seventies, already has a driving range on the site, which his company, Castle Golf, took over in 2002.
The course was designed by Durham architect Chris Stanton.
Mr Barker said: "It is a spectacular setting with Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland viaduct in the background."
The course is open to the public and limited membership is available.
Eleven Arches can be contacted on 01388-664333.
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