Two golf clubs receive lottery funding

Two golf clubs in Northumberland have been awarded more than £80k of lottery funding to improve their facilities.

The money is part of the Olympics legacy.

Alnmouth Village Golf Club, the oldest nine-hole links course in England, which dates back to 1869, has been granted about £50k to improve its irrigation system.

Club secretary Dickie Campbell said: “We are delighted. This investment means we can improve and maintain the quality of our greens for the benefit of members and guests of this historic course.

“It is the cornerstone of our strategy to have an outstanding club and excellent course for the 2012 Olympics’ legacy.”

Meanwhile, Allendale Golf Club is to receive more than £30k of funding to upgrade the facilities at its clubhouse.

The money will be spent on a state-of-the-art catering kitchen and a new energy efficient central heating system. The club erected a wind turbine for its electricity needs two years ago.

Club chairman, Colin Wraith, said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our premises to match the quality of our golf course.

“Our membership is on the increase and these improved facilities will be a fitting legacy of the 2012 Olympics, particularly for our junior members.”

In return, both clubs will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark.

The two golf clubs are part of more than 300 projects across England that have received lottery investment from the third round of Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund and one of more than 1,000 to benefit overall.