THE ever-popular Altrincham Golf Course has gone through a lot of changes in 2017, both on and off the course, and they are already reaping the benefits.

Trafford Leisure, who manage the course, also started to look after Altrincham Driving Range and since then, in partnership with Trafford Council, the company have continued to invest in the facility.

They have provided a fit-for-purpose driving range that is accessible for the whole community.

This summer has seen the shop and all golf operations move from the old clubhouse building and generations of golfers have gone through the doors to a new revamped shop at the driving range building.

In addition to this Trafford Leisure has also changed the configuration of the golf course which can now facilitate two nine-hole circuits.

Trafford Leisure have been working closely with England Golf and are now promoting ‘Golf Express’ which opens up accessibility to people who do not have the time to play a full 18 holes .

The facility also includes a state-of-art indoor coaching studio and custom-fitting section under the guidance of professional James Curtis and his staff, who now have the experienced Jay Spibey in the team.

Trafford Leisure general manager Paul Murray said: “This investment and change has enabled us to create a more welcoming and accessible place for everyone in the community to enjoy.

“In partnership with Trafford Council we are now planning the next stage of developments here at Altrincham to carry on the improvements and grow the game of golf.”

Meanwhile, the Manchester Alliance Team of Four Stableford at Helsby Golf Club had a full field of 29 teams enjoying a superbly prepared and challenging course as it made its Alliance winter season debut.

Also making his debut was Ryan O’Neill, the assistant professional at Penwortham Golf Club, who recently joined the Alliance.

He was top man in the individual pro section with 38 points ahead of Andrew Terry (Whitefield), making a welcome return from injury, with 37 and home club assistant pro Anthony Dempsey 35.

O'Neill made it a debut double as he led in the sponsors’ team of Steve Moores (Stamford), Phil Aitken (Fairfield) and Martin Dwyer (Stamford) to a winning score of 85 points in the team section.

They beat Marcus Corfield (Swinton Park), Dave Hemingway (Chorley), Lee Warren (Northenden) and Dave Smith (Ellesmere) on a card play-off with Saddleworth’s team of Andy Earlam, Neil Bamford, Dave Pullen and Dean Jagger in third spot with 82 points.

The competition also included former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, who was a key player in Adam Hodkinson’s fab four.