WHICKHAM has a first class coaching and practice facility achieved with a grant of £75,000 from Sport England’s Inspired Facility Funding.

Whickham have also self-funded the academy with an additional £36,000 to secure equipment. There had earlier been other significant investment to construct two new holes on the course and provide a revised Par 71 men’s layout, Par 74 for ladies.

The new facilities include a superb short game area, three covered driving bays and a fully equipped teaching/practice suite. Whickham plan to open it up for hire, offering competitive play on a choice of nine top golf courses. Options are also possible for nearest the pin or simply an indoor driving range.

Ken Greatbatch (marketing director) explained how “this project was part of the overall plan for Whickham GC to provide the practice and coaching opportunities that were needed to confirm us as a first class club for members present and future.

“It was also part of the vision to attract new members by offering a way to try the game affordably. The development of Hollinside Academy means that we can encourage schools and the local community to participate in our sport.”

The covered driving bays and short game area have added extra benefits and value to membership. Whickham has created a low cost entry level academy membership for anyone who wants to use the facilities at £25 a year.

HOUGHTON-le-Spring has launched a major new five green Huxley Golf installation – the first of its kind in the UK.

Huxley Golf designed and supplied five all-weather greens to complement an existing natural green over the spring and summer of 2016 in readiness for autumn and winter play. Each green measures approximately 525 square yards but is unique.

Neil Fowler, projects manager at Houghton-le-Spring, said: “We are delighted with the result and extremely confident that it will help our club go from strength to strength by attracting new members and visitors who, after all, simply can’t play on anything like it anywhere else in the UK.”

EMPLOYEES from a construction company and its suppliers swapped their tools for clubs to tee up a day of fundraising for Children North-East.

The event, hosted by Galliford Try Partnership North, saw 72 golfers take to the fairways at Morpeth and £3,500 was raised.

Managing director, Stephen McCoy, said: “It was a fantastic and successful day and I’d like to thank our commercial manager, Nathan Walker, for his efforts in organising everything and the golf club for allowing us to use their course.

“There was quite a range of golfing styles and abilities on show but everyone had great fun and more importantly, dug deep to support a fantastic charity which is doing excellent work in our region.”

THE 2016 Inter NERGA League (8 to 15 handicap) ends this weekend with the club and individual finals at Rockliffe Hall.

Zone League winners Roseberry Grange, Ripon City, Blackwell Grange and best runner up Stocksfield will contest the Club championship.

The top player from all 20 Inter Clubs will contest the Individual Championship.

Graham Parsons (Blackwell Grange), Tam McConville (Whitby), Heath Johns (Bedale), Keith Burrill (Ripon), David Harvey (Stocksfield), Scott Mitchell (South Moor), Darren Bawlow (Roseberry Grange), Robin Cass (Kirkbymoorside), Ken Ridley (Romanby), Ian McPhillips (Parklands), Adrian Burdett (Malton & Norton), Michael Tyres (Crook), Jim Butler (Wearside), Bruce Robson (Ravensworth), Robert Dove (Hunley), Marc Briggs (Darlington), Ken Khaira (Houghton-le-Spring), John Kirkbride (Catterick) and Mike Roberts (Easingwold).

The NERGA League (16 to 28 handicap) finals will be held at Rockliffe Hall.

The Zone League winners Roseberry Grange, Kirkbymoorside, Thirsk & Northallerton, Houghton-le-Spring plus the two best runner ups, Malton & Norton & Bishop Auckland, will contest the club championship. The top players from all 33 NERGA clubs will compete for the Individual Championship.