Spalding Golf Club celebrates modern day anniversary

It’s been a fixture in the area for more than 100 years but Spalding Golf Club is about to mark a special 30-year anniversary.

The modern-day iteration of the course and its clubhouse was officially opened on August 6, 1993.

Today, as well as the impeccably maintained 18-hole course considered one of the best in the region, there’s a floodlit driving range and a six-hole academy course for beginners and improvers.

More than 750 players, with about ten per cent being juniors, are members at the Surfleet course.

Club president Stewart Sharp is proud of the progress Spalding Golf Club has made.

"The roots of a golf club and course go back to 1907 when hayfields were converted into an area where intrepid golfers could hone their skills in hitting a small ball between varying holes," he said.

"Today’s course is a far cry from those simplistic endeavours, with a manicured and professionally laid out formation which has become a source of pride to the area and club members."

The current 30-year-old course was created following several parcels of neighbouring land being acquired and a redesign, the work taking four years to complete.

A recent addition to facilities has been the academy course – a series of par three holes where juniors and older beginners can learn the skills and etiquette. Club professional James Beinlich offers junior coaching there on Saturday mornings.

Meanwhile, the well-established driving range has recently undergone a makeover with new equipment thanks to sponsorship by Fowler Welch.

Finance chairman Matthew Cole said: "We're extremely proud of the facilities we've got.

"The course is one of the most sought-after in Lincolnshire and we draw people from as far afield as King’s Lynn and Peterborough."

With the club being owned by its members, it is they who decide upon any changes and improvements.

On the horizon are further developments to the clubhouse, which offers catering for family events and meals from breakfast through to evening.

For those who just want to enjoy the ambience of the club, a social membership is available.

To find out more about the club visit www.spaldinggolfclub.co.uk

There was a French theme to the ladies captain's day at Spalding Golf Club.

The competition was a Betterball Stableford played using a French scorecard causing much fun and consternation.

Ladies entered into the spirit of the day, many sporting berets, stripy tops, even a chef’s outfit and a French maid.

There was a halfway house serving wine and French style nibbles with three waiters sporting French costume and large moustaches.

Winners on the day were Judith Flevill and Claire McIlroy while runners-up werre Sarah Gibson and Theresa Blake with Elaine Hancock and Carol Davies in third spot.

Other ladies results include the Myrtle Glenny Trophy where Elaine Hancock took first place with 40 points. Lizzie Cooke was second with 37 to pip Tracy Siddle on countback.