WILLOW VALLEY’S
NEW YEAR DRIVE

Willow Valley, one of the North’s top golfing venues, is investing in an enhanced driving range and a hi-tec interactive video training system, which are part of a number of exciting new-year marketing initiatives.

The new investment, which will incorporate the existing 24 bay range is to also include enhanced lighting and a fully roofed area for participants. At the centre of the new range will be a wood covered gazebo style self-service drinks area, allowing spectators to watch the participants, from the new purpose built area.

To facilitate the changes, the existing range, which will remain fully open during the changeover, is being opened up around the sides, allowing better viewing. The significantly improved range will open at 7.30 am, with last golf balls at 8.30pm.

Complimentary to the new range is a planned interactive video package, which will record a player’s stroke and then allow the user to be compare with a leading golf professional. The aim of the video is to provide an in-house facility, enabling players to improve their golf in a warm dry atmosphere.

Forward thinking Willow Valley hope that the planned investment will further improve its on-site facilities, which it believes are already some of the best in England.

It is anticipated that the new club improvements will attract even more members and so Willow Valley has now engaged three golfing assistants. These comprise Kieran O'Brien, Paul Johnson and Daniel Skelcher, who together with Club professional, Julian Haworth, make up the in-house training team.

Changes made in the year 2000 have already resulted in corporate bookings being significantly up on the previous year, which the management believes is due to the club’s growing reputation among the business community. Of particular note is Willow Valley’s licensed catering provision, where fresh home-made food can be purchased for a modest fee. The Club’s Sunday lunch is still the most popular fayre item, which is served between 12 – 3pm and is open to all.

Summarising, Club professional Julian Haworth said: "Here at Willow Valley, we are keen to provide the best golfing experience available. During the last few years the club has invested significantly in new facilities and these together with those planned for the new year should keep the club at the forefront of the golfing world."

Background information:

Willow Valley Golf Club was fully established in July 1997. With three courses, a driving range and fully licensed restaurant, it was set up by directors John Newton, Sheila Newton and Glyn Selway - with the aim of providing the ultimate golfing experience.

The most impressive of the Club's courses is the South which has been purposely created for the experienced golfer by one of Europe's leading golfing architects, Johnathan Gaunt.

For the less experienced golfer and those with limited time, Willow Valley has the easier to play North Course, while for learners there is a floodlit, all-weather academy course. And for those seeking merely stroke practice, a 24-bay driving range is available.

On-site tuition is provided by experienced professional, Julian Haworth and his deputy Kieran O'Brien.

Selective membership is open to all age groups and both sexes with the aim of providing a warm, friendly atmosphere for everyone.