Fees refund goes back into greens

One of north Shropshire's best-known golf clubs is set to invest a five-figure sum into its course after the new year.

Llanymynech Golf Club is set to invest £80,000 into its dual-country golf course as it looks to improve its playability for members and visitors.

The funding was provided after HMRC agreed to refund golf clubs for overpaid VAT on green fees in 2016.

Work on the course will be phased over the next 12 to 18 months, with the club set to remain open to members and visitors while the work is done.

Janice Stanistreet, chair of marketing at the club, said it is important to ensure members and visitors continue to enjoy playing at the club.

She said: "When we had the money given to us, we decided not to spend the money straight away and instead decide what we really would like to see it spent on. It was the members who decided they would like to see it invested in the course.

"All clubs have found it difficult to grow numbers over the past decade or so, so it is important as a club we do everything we can to make sure people still want to come along and play here.

"We invested in 15 new buggies earlier in the year for our golfers to use, and this is another step forward."

Greenkeeper Sean Borrett spoke about why it is important for the club to continue improving its course.

He said: "The club is going to be spending money on different aspects of the course to give members and visitors an even better experience when they come to play here.

"It will be spending some money on the irrigation system, buying certain bits of machinery that will help to improve our greens, and refurbishing and improving the bunkers.

"We're hoping that it will not only improve the course but to improve our reputation within the county and in the region.

"We already have an irrigation system in place on our greens so we're going to be upgrading what we have already by bringing in more efficient systems.

"Our aim is obviously to grow the club, and by continuing to improve the course as we always are doing, I'm sure more people will want to play here.

"The standard of the course here has always been great, along with the amazing views and scenery. We want as many people to come here and enjoy it as possible.

"This investment is a big step forward to where we want to be, which is to be one of the best golf courses in the region for people to visit."

Janice added: "The greenkeepers have faced some very challenging periods over the past couple of years. They've had everything from heavy snow to one of the hottest summers in recent times, and they've kept the standard of the course as high as it always is.

"Their work is much appreciated."

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