SKIPTON Golf Club opened its newly remodelled and extended 18-hole course on schedule.

On a busy launch weekend, a 12-hole stableford competition from the white tees and with a shotgun start was staged on the Friday evening and was fully subscribed.

It formed part of a celebratory opening event for members.

The following day, 104 golfers competed in the annual President’s Day stableford competition, the first over the full 18 holes.

Ben Topper won Division One with 42 points and a gross of 72, which currently stands as a new course record.

Heading Division Two with 35 points was Oliver Wild.

“The weather was perfect and the new course received very favourable comment. In fact, both events proved a resounding success,” said club president Jonathan White.

The remodelled course at Skipton, completed during the club’s landmark 125th anniversary year, incorporates two new par-four holes and a brand-new raised 17th green.

Many other improvements and enhancements all around the course include new tee beds and bunkers constructed by local contractor Oliver Sugden, of Sugden Amenities.

Major redevelopment work at the golf club was necessitated by the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme for Skipton.

It has involved a significant investment, which has been funded by the Agency’s compensation agreement.