All change at top Yorkshire club

Ilkley Golf Club, the third oldest club in Yorkshire, has completed a £300,000 investment programme to improve the clubhouse and on-course facilities. Two impressive bridges, which link the mainland to an island featuring the second green, third hole and fourth tee, have been installed at a cost of £180,000. They replace the original narrow bridges, which enabled golfers to cross the River Wharfe when the course was built more than 100 years ago.

With the old bridges requiring essential maintenance, the decision was taken to replace them with much wider and more substantial bridges to accommodate golf buggies and greenkeepers’ machinery.

£80k has also been spent on installing a suite of new power showers and modern toilets in the men’s locker room. The area has been given a complete overhaul to provide members and visitors with state-of-the-art facilities to reflect the status of the club within Yorkshire.

The remaining £45k has been spent on constructing a new pitched roof to part of the clubhouse.

Further investments are being planned to upgrade the ladies facilities and the terrace lounge.

Commenting on the investment, Ilkley Golf Club’s president John Hepworth, said: “Although it may seem a considerable amount of money to spend, this level of investment has been planned for a number of years and funds have been built up to accommodate it.

“At a time when a greater number of clubs are competing to attract both members and visitors it is essential we provide excellent facilities in the club house and a course they find a pleasure to play.

“With the combination of the River Wharfe and Ilkley Moor we are lucky to have one of the most picturesque courses in the UK. It is vital that we make the most of this setting by providing golfers with an unforgettable experience both on and off the course.”