AS a social golfer I have experienced playing and socialising at a number of North-East courses over the years.

I have also noted with some sadness the closure of a number of courses and the loss of jobs and the impact this has on individuals who work at those affected golf clubs.

It is heartening, therefore, to see that two local, but very different, golf courses are in the news.

Woodham Golf club, bought by a local firm, is soon to reopen with many of the previous staff re-employed (Echo, June 6).

The second is Hallgarth Hotel and Country club, an all together different business but one with a golf course.

I am a member of the golf club there and have used the hotel on a social basis, including having a family meal there.

The hotel has a buzz about the place with the new owners not only spending a vast amount of money on improvements but also listening to and understanding the needs of customers and golfers. The golf course has, and is, being improved and a new health club is planned.

As a normal punter, who uses local facilities when I can, I hope such improvements are continued evidence of the how the economy is gaining ground especially in the North-East.

I wish both ventures, their owners and staff well for the future.

John Walker, Newton Aycliffe.