By ROBERT GIBSON

Last updated at 10:01, Friday, 15 January 2010

PRUDHOE Golf Club has reduced its annual fees for 2010 and introduced new membership categories to cater for golfers across the board.

The move, aimed at attracting new members and retaining those already with the club, goes against the national trend of upping subscriptions year-on-year to combat rising costs and provide funds for investment.

Full male membership has reduced from £480 to £450, while all other categories have remained at 2009 levels.

The club has also sought to decrease the jump in costs faced by younger players when they move from juniors to full members.

“This large jump occurs when players reach their early 20s, and that’s exactly at the wrong time for them,” said club chairman John Perry.

“As a result, we have introduced a £300 fee for players in the 23 to 29 age range.

“To encourage young players into the game, the annual fee for under-16s is only £40.”

Additionally, golfers who play less frequently will benefit from a new £150 subscription. Under this arrangement, the player then pays an extra fee per round, typically £7 on weekdays and £10 at weekends.

Last year, the club was also instrumental in creating the Tyne Valley Alliance, which enables members to play five other local courses completely free of charge.

“Prudhoe is famous for its high quality golf course, clubhouse facilities, friendly welcome and many league, county and international champions,” Mr Perry added.

“Even so, we face a similar battle to other clubs in retaining and gaining members.

“Our new pricing structures and the free golf mean we now provide arguably the best value-for-money members’ and visitors’ packages in the region, if not the UK.

“But we cannot be complacent. Golf clubs are competitive businesses and must be run as such. Without proper day-to-day controls and sound strategies, we are at the same risk as any other business.”

First published at 09:41, Friday, 15 January 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk