Ansty GC’s General Manager Ross Ward takes us through the many on and off-course changes at the Warwickshire club since the advent of new ownership with the Get Golfing organisation three years ago.
“We invested heavily in the golf course first three years we were in charge. We did a lot of drainage work to begin with so that we could remain open during the winter, and it saw us only close a handful of times. We then invested in upgrading the irrigation system so that we could get the greens tip top, and now we have them running easily 10/11 on the stimp.
We have invested in a new green’s mower, new fairway & tees mower, new rough mower, and new sprayer, so the course team have everything they need to produce a good quality golf course. Last piece of the puzzle, we have plans for a bunker renovation in September that will see us dig up and reshape 70% of our bunkers, while then filling in the other 30% that are badly placed and not needed.”
“We have then invested in the main bar area, completely ripping everything out and knocking down two walls to open up the space. We have then rebuilt the bar, had new flooring put in and redecorated the ceiling and walls. We have then invested in new furniture and added a new golf check-in to the main bar, with all of the pro shop stock on display.
New televisions have been added to the main bar, where we are able to show live sports on UK TV, with the future hope of having a sport subscription to showcase all sporting events. We are in the process of changing principle brewer to the Budweiser Brewing Group, with a new draught and canned lager range.”
“We are about to move ahead with a much-needed washroom renovation, that will see us completely rip out the men’s washrooms, with upgrades to the ladies and disabled, for them to be completely renovated to new. The renovation will see us invest in a new hot water system and brand-new showers, so that we are able to offer top quality changing facilities.”
“Once the washroom renovation has taken place, the plan is to then invest in the driving range. We will be renovating the current structure and netting, whilst adding new dividers and flooring. We will be adding brand new golf balls and a new ball washer, with the hope of adding a tech system in the near future. The work will see us close the driving range for 7 days, and have a big grand opening once all the work is complete.
All this work is to take Ansty to another level and establish us as one of the top golf clubs in the Midlands. A lot of work has taken place and lot more will take place, thanks to our operators Get Golfing, who we are proud to be a part of.”