The face of golf dramatically changed at the prestigious Five Lakes Hotel, Golf and Country Club this week as plans were unveiled to unite to the two existing golf clubs.

It has taken over 25 years, two clubs and two name changes to reach this decision but there is no doubt in General Manager, Noel Byrne's mind that the restructured 'Five Lakes Golf Club' can now rival any club in the South-East.

"This is the catalyst we need to move the club forward," Mr Byrne said. "Our aim is to create a new dimension to golf at Five Lakes with unique benefits for all our members.

"There is a lot of history here," Byrne added. "We are taking experience, competitions and knowledge from the Manifold years, our time as Quiet Waters and most recently as the Links Club and the Lakes Club.

''It is now time to put all that has been done on a separate level together, and move forward as a bigger, better single golf club.

''The Neil Coles designed Lakes Course has already gained national recognition with its staging of the European Tour pre-qualifying event, the Players Tour (formally the Hippo Tour), the televised Nick Faldo Challenge and the Laura Davies Skins Event.

But with an ever increasing commitment to maintaining two top class golf courses for visiting golfers, Byrne recognised there was a need for change at club level.

Byrne said that membership feedback has been positive. He acknowledges the fact that for some, adapting to change will take time.

He feels however that now, the club can provide a genuine structure and facility which will appeal to recreational and serious golfers alike.

From April 1, the Links Club and Lakes Club at Five Lakes will officially merge, offering its members 'Two Courses, One Club' -- a combination that Byrne believes will separate Five Lakes Golf Club from the rest.

The new club is also to be supported by an investment pledge of £200,000 to fund the building of a dedicated clubhouse to overlook the course which is already in the final stages of applying for planning permission.

The new clubroom coupled with plans to provide bays for the Five Lakes Golf Academy will underline Five Lakes' commitment to provide its members with a golf club and facilities that are second to none.

Byrne concluded, "When you factor in the wealth of experience we already have to take the new club to the next level, I feel excited about what lies ahead."

Memberships start from under £9 a week, and further details can be obtained by telephoning Mucha Murapa on 01621 862307.

The Channels' Ladies played their February Monthly Medal this last week over Thursday and the previous Sunday.

The weather favoured the Sunday players as the results showed, at least that is what the Thursday players will say.

The Silver Division winner with 31 points was Tina Daw, the Bronze winner, Pam Pamphilon on 32 points.

On Saturday and Sunday the Channels men fought out the last rounds of their Winter League which sends the successful pairs through to the final, a Bogey Competition, on March 26.

One man sat in the bar afterwards looking pleased with himself having tipped his match in his pair's favour.

"Congratulations Mark Daw on your 'Hole in One", you can't let your wife Tina have all the glory.

Both the Ladies and Gentlemen of Regiment Way Golf Centre played in their respective February Monthly Medals on Saturday.

The men's winner was Mike Arben, who came in with a gross 87, h/cap 22 and net 65.

Dave Doy was second on countback with his 82/16/66 scoreline ahead of Chris Albert's 91/25/66.

The winner of the Ladies' Medal was Nicola Pippen with a gross 98, h/cap 31, net 67. Sue Jones was second on 107/30/77.

Norman Clague won the Running Medal for Jan/Feb with a score of 89/28/61.

Chelmsford Golf Club has been engaged in the first of its inter-club competitions for the year with a visit by the Ladies to the Warren and as hosts to Stockbrook Manor for the Men.

The occasion was the first round of the Mail on Sunday National Tournament.

The Ladies, captained by Alison Evans and supported by Ladies Captain Linda Parrott and her caddies went out of the competition by losing three matches to one.

The Mens team, captained by Les Cutbush, went into the second round of the tournament with a three matches to one win.

The Chelmsford Ladies team was: Jean Johnson, Dawn Jones, Pat Vincent and Alison Evans and the Mens team was Andy Petts, Paul Connell, Gary Fisher and Keith Davies.

Three internal competitions have been held in a mixture of weather.

The Ladies held a nine hole, yellow ball competition in teams of three.

Each player takes it in turn to play the yellow ball for one hole, the points creating double in all scores to count format. The competition finished up with two teams making the same score.

The winners, on count back, were Janet Everitt, Pat Colson, Marjorie Miller from Frances Holloway, Norma Tattersal and Jean Johnson with 62 points followed by Beryl Gardiner, Myram Proctor and Valerie Tolani (52 points), Ann Robinson, Pam Nicol and Jean Bush (42 points) and Ann Nickol, Jean Hallett and Heather Hornbrook (35 points).

The Men held a high/low handicap competition on a day of superb sunshine.

Played as a foursomes competition, the winners were Mark Lindsey and Ron Aitken (36 points) followed by John Wade and Colin Metcalf (34 points), Grant Popham and Andy Walker (33 points), Martin Harris and Peter Cash (32 points) on countback from Paddy Parlour and Colin Guy.

A nine hole mixed competition was held following the High/Low and the leading scores were, Trish Wilson (19 points) and Ian Logan, (18 point)s, Hilary and Rodger Beck on countback from Tony and Darlene Nicholas, Phil Smith and Susan Vine.

The Mens section have lost Ben Marden, a former Arsenal footballer, and golfer and bowls player. He will be missed by all.

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