GOLFERS will no longer be languishing in the rough in Hexham after a carefully landscaped practice facility opened.

Hexham Golf Club’s historic walled garden has been transformed from a derelict ruin into a short game practice area.

The new facility was officially opened yesterday by former club president Viv Younger and Alan Dovaston, from Sport England.

The event marked the end of a four-year project to renovate the Grade I listed Victorian feature.

Club officials secured £50,000 of funding from Sport England and a further £10,500 from Northumberland County Council to carry out the makeover.

Greenkeeping staff, aided by club members, then moved in to clear the site before landscaping of the greens and bunkers began last year. Head greenkeeper Malcolm Lathan said: “Developing the short game facility within the confines of the ageing Victorian walls certainly presented us with a unique challenge. But we shifted hundreds of tonnes of soil and rubble before embarking on the landscaping, and then the re-planting process last year.

“Getting early growth on the site wasn’t easy, because of the high walls, but we’ve nurtured the grass and bunker sites now – and we’re really pleased with the way it’s all come out.”

Hexham professional Andy Paisley, who also coaches youngsters from the North of England U18 team, said: “This is a tremendous boost to the extensive practice facilities we already have here at Hexham. Many golfers completely underestimate the value and importance of fine-tuning their short game skills around the greens, and this purpose-built facility will give players of all abilities the opportunity to practice those subtle touches, and spin shots, which can save so many shots around the green”