A greenkeeper who started off by looking after the pitch at Halstead Cricket Club has now taken over at the helm at an Earls Colne Golf Club.

Tom Smith, 28, started greenkeeping at Halstead Cricket Club, before spells with Gosfield Golf Club. He is now ringing the changes at the Colne Valley Golf Club, which his family bought at the start of June for an undisclosed sum.

Mr Smith, whose family is known for owning Crossways Garage, in Halstead, has taken over the running of the club, with the help of his mother, Jennifer, and has lots of enthusiasm and fresh ideas for the 164-acre club.

He has 12 years of greenkeeping experience. Until earlier this year he was head greenkeeper at the highly praised Merrist Wood Golf Club, Surrey, and won the top practical student award at Myerscough College, Preston, where he gained a diploma in turf science.

Mr Smith said: "There is great potential to build the course into one of the finest in the area.

"In the past, the Colne Valley course has been known as a very hard golf course to play. We are looking to change that and redesign, giving the course more playability, making it a challenge to all levels of golfers.

"In particular, we want to stay environmentally aware. We have a beautiful valley, which we want to stay beautiful."

Mr Smith said: "We only use organic fertilizer and the same for fungicides, if we use any. We care because we are all local people."

He and his mother, who both play regularly, are equally committed to equal rights in all matters for female members. An attitude which they say has been slow to spread in the golfing world.

Mr Smith is also hoping to improve access to golf for youngsters new to the game. To emphasise the fact, he is soon to be a father and hopes to encourage his children into the game as soon as possible.

He said: "I'm aiming to have a club where the whole family can come along and have a very enjoyable day playing golf."

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