WORCESTERSHIRE'S oldest golf club opened the doors of its new clubhouse last Friday (December 7).

A cheese and wine evening, attended by some 300 members and hosted by club captain Terry Price, was held at the Malvern Wells-based club to mark the event.

Worcestershire Golf Club has been planning to replace its clubhouse since 1995. It raised funds for the development, which cost more than £1 million, through a variety of different methods. Interest-free loans of £600 were given by members, re-payable when they leave the club.

An auction of golf memorabilia was also held at Sotheby's. It raised £60,000, part of which came from the sale of a rare turn-of the-century golf ball for £26,000.

Members will now be able to enjoy central heating, increased dining space and a reliable water supply.

"The previous clubhouse was a 400-year-old farm house which had been added to over the years," explained the club's secretary manager Jacqueline Howe. "The main beams supporting the roof had been sawn through at some point and the front of the building had to be propped up. It will be demolished and a car park will be built on the site."

The club will officially open its new headquarters early in the New Year.