NEW owners are ringing in the changes at Erlestoke Golf Club. Linda and Aiden Bell took over the course in April and have started on ambitious plans to improve the golfing and clubhouse facilities.
Set in 140 acres of stunning Wiltshire countryside, the 18-hole course offers breathtaking views over the Pewsey Vale and the surrounding area.
“We want to give the club a new lease of life,” said Linda. “After several years of steady decline, the aim is to return the club to its former glory and make it one of the top courses in the county.
“Aiden was a member of the club for many years and to become the owner was a dream come true for us. We’ve got the passion and enthusiasm and, of course, a love of golf to make it a success.
“We’re a family-run club with our children also involved and we’ve had a really warm welcome and fantastic support from the existing members and the local community in the village.
“A special thank you to our green-keeping team and other members of staff for their dedication, support and continued hard work.
“We’re very much membership-led and welcome feedback and ideas from the membership and will be re-investing the membership money back into the course to improve facilities.”
Linda and Aiden have wasted no time in beginning the improvements at the club.
“We’ve concentrated initially on getting the course itself back on par to where is once was,” said Linda. “We’ve spent a lot of time and money on improving the greens and investing in new machinery. We’ve also had a tree surgeon in to improve the landscaping and we’ve dug ditches and deepened the ponds to improve drainage.
“Next, we’re looking to renovate the clubhouse and we will be adding a ‘halfway house’ on the course which will include refreshments and toilets.
“Our fantastic new chef is arriving on the 4th September and we’ll have an exciting new menu, including Sunday lunches, for both members, visitors and the general public.
“Arnie’s Restaurant and the Balcony Bar overlook the parkland course with stunning views and the delicious food will match this.”
Linda and Aiden have introduced new golf membership schemes – please visit the website or call the pro shop for more details.
There are also adult and junior lessons available to suit all ages and abilities with the club’s resident professional, Steve Blazey.
A ‘Woman on Par’ scheme has also been launched offering an hour’s lesson for women plus a Prosecco and slice of cake for just £7.
“We hope to become an important part of the local community and plan to put on a range of events, both for members and the wider community,” added Linda.
“A variety of events are already planned including a Quiz and Curry Night on Friday 1st September and a Pig Racing Night on Saturday 14th October which are both open the public. For details, visit our club website.
“We will also be fundraising for local charities including Dorothy House and RUH Cancer Care.”
For those eager to explore the membership options and learn more about the exciting plans at Erlestoke Golf Club, the pro shop welcomes inquiries. Feel free to call 01380 830300, visit www.erlestoke. golf or email erlestokegolfclub@btinternet.com
