It's all change at Fosseway Golf Club in Midsomer Norton where the old dress code has been dropped so golfers can now play in casual clothing.

It's not only the dress code that's changing either.

PGA golf manager Terry Williams has been hard at work altering the nine-hole course to make it more accessible for all levels of players.

The rough has been cut to the lowest level ever and low lying branches are being lopped so if a player is unlucky enough to end up in the trees, it is now possible to play the ball from there and get back on the fairway. Seven bunkers are also being removed from the course.

Williams said: "When I joined 16 months ago the course was a little bland. I made a few changes that spiced the set up of the course.

"Normally you would expect a slow down in the growth during the summer but the very wet summer and the continuous growth meant that the course became too tough for most golfers. It has certainly been challenging and I realised changes needed to be made so golfers of all levels and abilities, from beginners to experienced players, could play it and enjoy doing so in a reasonable time.

"One of the biggest changes has been that we have cut the rough so it is much lower than before. We also found that players were reporting that if they hit their ball into the trees it was impossible to swing a club because of the low lying branches. We've taken a lot of those branches off which has made that area playable and more accessible now.

"We've always intended the course here at Fosseway to be one for all levels and following these changes, it definitely is. It's still challenging but it's not as hard as it was."

Williams said the new more casual dress code had been introduced to make it easier for people to just turn up and play a round at the course.

He said: "The old code used to insist on players wearing smart trousers, collared shirts and golf shoes but we have dropped that and said jeans and t-shirts and trainers are acceptable now as that is what a lot of people want to wear when they play golf."

However, there is still a dress code for team players and competitors taking part in events.

The club is currently offering a special membership offer of £120 for full single membership and £180 for joint membership. This entitles the holder to a 10 per cent discount on food and drink in Cubros Restaurant and Jays bar.

Golf lessons with the club's PGA professional Terry Williams are also on offer at the special price of £36 for three lessons. For more information contact Terry Williams on 01761 412214.

6:09am Tuesday 7th October 2008

Print

Email this