New manager to help drive Leamington golf club forward

Roger Yates, who for 30 years has worked for golf clubs in Britain, Ireland and as far away as Kenya, has been charged with taking the club, which is one of the oldest in the county having been founded more than 100 years ago, to new heights.

Chairman Allan Murdoch said the club, which has more than 600 playing members and close to 200 social members, was on the verge of a new epoch.

He said: “This is a vitally important appointment for the club and forms the next phase of its development strategy to ensure that it maintains its pre-eminent position as a club of excellence.”

Despite the recent difficult economic times, Leamington & County has continued heavy investment in the course, considered one of the finest in the region.

Mr Murdoch added: “We have changed our membership categories to encourage younger golfers to join us and have concentrated on providing first class practice and coaching facilities, which are crucial to retaining members and attracting new ones.

“This has been achieved by recruiting new professionals who have opened an indoor academy with state of the art training facilities.”

Mr Murdoch said that as part of its policy of reaching out to the local community the club’s team of professionals had been working with local schools, encouraging children and families to take up the sport, and also providing facilities for the disabled to try the game.”

Mr Yates said: “I took on this challenge because I can see that Leamington & County has values that not only respect the game of golf but also foster inclusivity in sport.”