BEDALE Golf Club is now one of the best in Yorkshire following major investment in its facilities.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak officially opened its new swing studio facility on the same day the club was awarded Golf Mark status in recognition of its progress.
The new studio, which uses high speed photography and computer simulation to allow play in the warm and analyse a golfer’s swing, has been created in a former gatehouse building at the entrance to the 18-hole course.
Along with drainage improvements to its practice area, including a three-hole academy course, the work on the studio has been funded by a £71,000 grant from Sport England plus grant aid from Hambleton District Council and the club’s own funds. The total cost is just over £100,000.
Cutting a ribbon to declare the studio open, Mr Sunak praised the club’s initiative in drawing up the development scheme and winning financial support to carry it out.
He said: “This development will enable more people to play golf more often, especially when the weather is unkind, and broaden the sport’s appeal, especially among young people.”
Matthew Kettlewell, the club’s development chairman, said the studio contained simulation technology to allow golf to be played indoors.
He said: “It is a fantastic facility that allows members to practice or play holes with friends on the courses purchased.”
He said the simulated courses available to date include Carnoustie, Castle Stuart, Celtic Manor, Congressional, Hazeltine, Quail Hollow, Royal Troon and Teton Pines.”
The club was also presented with a Golf Mark by Tom Freeland, club support officer at England Golf. He said Bedale was only five clubs in Yorkshire to have been achieved the status which is awarded to recognise the standard the club had reached in terms of recruitment and retention of members, coaching, management and welfare.