Investing in the Future
It’s been two years since I last visited Penwortham Golf Club and what a transformation, writes Tracy Hargreaves
Penwortham Golf Club is located at the end of a quiet residential road, but once you arrive you can see why it’s a secret waiting to be found. Over the last two years the club has benefited from a major investment, both on its greens and in its club house and now it wants to showcase its impressive facilities to the local area.
I met with club chairman Alan Bolton who gave me a look round and told me about the changes. “Golf clubs were once seen as elitist,” says Alan, “but at the end of the day we are a business and we have to diversify like any other business, whilst still keeping our members happy.”
The investment has seen the club have a completely new makeover. Walking into the main lounge it is now light, spacious, airy and inviting and what’s more has that amazing view over the greens, which I’m told is the best place to sit and watch the sun set on a rare nice day. “Not only do we want to attract new members, including more ladies and juniors,” says Alan, but we also want to appeal to those who are looking at holding a special occasion, whether it’s a christening, birthday, breakfast meeting or wedding reception. In fact, we will soon be applying for a wedding licence, so we will be able to arrange everything for your big day, all in one place.”
On my guided tour, I was introduced to enthusiastic head chef Eddie Quigley. “We try to use local produce as much as possible and everything is hand prepared. We receive a lot of compliments about the food and that shows when all the plates come back empty.”
Moving outside and I’m updated on the investment in the 18 new USGA greens which has contributed to a rolling parkland course of high quality with a testing par of 69. The course inspires and challenges and is popular with visiting parties or those taking part in competitions, such as the Lancashire Classic. A highly competitive and successful tournament held in July at Penwortham, Fairhaven, St Annes Old Links and Preston Golf Clubs, between teams of men from Scotland, Wales and throughout England.
“The changes have all been about balancing tradition versus modern. Whilst the club is 110 years old we had to bring it into the 21st century and hopefully our relaunch will open the club up to a wider audience and make it more appealing,” adds Alan
The club is celebrating its relaunch with an Open Day on 8th April from 12pm and 4pm where visitors can chat to staff and have a look around the facilities. It will also have a brand new website full of information.
With competitive membership prices and a friendly atmosphere, Penwortham Golf Club is definitely worth a visit.
Penwortham Golf Club
Blundell Lane
Penwortham
Preston PR1 0AX
01772 744630
www.penworthamgc.co.uk
