PREMIER LEAGUE referee Mark Clattenburg has helped a County Durham golf club drive into a bright new future.

Clattenburg has explained how he will be heading back to Houghton-le-Spring GC to take advantage of new facilities after it was handed funding for improvements.

The investment has allowed an upgrade to the practice facilities, including three covered practice bays, two golf warm up nets and a six-hole pitch and putt course.

The new six-hole course incorporates five all-weather greens and an original natural green. It will be ideal to encourage those who have never played the game or those who wish to improve in safe and fit for purpose surroundings.

The facilities are purpose designed and open to members of the local schools and wider community groups.

Clattenburg, originally from Consett and now living in Newcastle, said: “This fantastic facility will be a huge asset not only to Houghton-le-Spring but the whole of the local community.

“I believe it will encourage new participants to golf as well as those who wish to improve their game or return to the sport but on a shorter course.

“I am looking forward to using the facilities with my family and I would highly recommend any one looking to get into golf to come and try out these facilities.”

Clattenburg was on hand to carry out the official opening of the new facilities at Houghton.

His tee shot on the first hole of the new facilities was inches away from going straight in on the new course.

The launch was attended by numerous guests who had taken an active part or supported the golf club during the bidding process.

There were representatives from Tyne & Wear Sport, Active Sunderland, VCAS, local school representatives, Phil Graham England Golf County Development Officer, Jonathan Ward County Secretary Durham County Golf Union as well as others from supporting local companies.

Later in the day some of the wee wonders at Houghton carried out their first round on the new six-hole course.

AN AMATEUR golfer from Newton Aycliffe is making two his lucky number, as another second place finish put him within one step from a prestigious appearance at the British Masters earlier this summer.

Glyn Neasham, 49, finished runner-up at Ganton with the seven-handicapper finishing on 32 points in the stableford competition, four under par for the course.

Neasham qualified for the regional round, following his performance at his Durham-based club after the club captain signed up for the Bridgestone DriveGuard trophy.

He overcame 37 other golfers to finish second in the pile with a score of 32 points in the stableford competition, four under the par for the course.

Neasham was extremely pleased with his performance at Ganton.

“I genuinely didn’t think I’d played that well,” he said. “It’s only until I got to the 16th and checked my score where I realised I might need good scores to at least get myself a respectable position. I pulled out a birdie, par, birdie on the final three holes.

“When I found out I’d finished second, I was beyond surprised. Ganton is a tough course, with a beautiful clubhouse and I was honoured to be able to play there.”

Neasham was confirmed joint second at the 125-year-old club and he then rubbed shoulders with a selection of up and coming golfers at the Bridgestone Challenge in August.

Neasham, who has been playing golf since the age of 13, praised the tournament format and looks forward to adding further memories to his successes.

“The tournament format is really good,” he said. “Each round gets tougher but I’ll keep playing the way I play and hopefully, keep progressing.”

His journey with Bridgestone began in June during the DriveGuard Trophy. The innovative format is free to enter and accessible to golfers of all ages and handicaps and is open to men, women and juniors.

Neasham will hope he continues at the speed he is currently at and continues on to the British Masters ahead of another 20 amateur qualifiers.