A GOLF club in north Durham has secured £5,000 in funding after rain flooded the course.

South Moor Golf Club, near Stanley, was shut for over four weeks after persistent rain damaged the paths and one of the greens where a drainage pipe collapsed.

Even when the course re-opened golfers who relied on buggies were unable to play because of the damage to the paths.

The club received £4,926 towards the costs of repairs from Sport England

Guy Carr, a member of the club’s general committee, said: “The grant application was very straightforward, we had a reply within ten days telling us we would get the money.

“We couldn’t believe how fast it was, they were fantastic.”

Hobson Golf Club, also near Stanley, received £2,000 in funding from Sport England and, in total, 13 golf clubs across the north of England have received over £50,000 to help them repair damage from the winter floods.

Abbie Lench, England Golf’s head of club support, said: “We’re pleased that so many clubs were able to access the emergency fund and it has been gratefully received.

“Sport England have produced some additional guidance around flood planning and flood prevention and clubs which would like to find out more can email info@englandgolf.org.”