A GOLF course on the edge of Hereford has been shortlisted as one of the four 'Most Welcoming Clubs of the Year'.

Burghill Valley Golf Club has been shortlisted as a finalist for the England Golf Awards.

Some 600 golf clubs across the country entered the awards with judges choosing four finalists with the winner announced at an awards dinner at the Royal Lancaster London on Thursday, March 21.

Nick Pink, England Golf Chief Executive, said: “A very big thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and to the judges, who had an incredibly difficult job to produce this shortlist of amazing volunteers, players, clubs and counties.

“They all contribute so much to the sport that we all love and we look forward to telling their stories over the coming weeks, as we build up to our gala dinner.

“Their contribution to golf in England is immeasurable and they really do make the game great.”

A supporting statement was sent by Burghill Valley GC for the awards.

It said: "Our ethos since 2015, is to allow our members and visitors to become part of the decision making process and therefore heavy investment has been undertaken in the refurbishment of the club both on and off the course.

"The new age golf course has need to change to remain a profitable, friendly, welcoming place to visit and after listening to our members and visitors, since then, there has been a complete overhaul of the clubhouse, changing rooms and showers.

"The bar and kitchen’s equipment has been upgraded, with a new chargrill being installed as steak nights were a very popular suggestion from our visitors.

"We have fine tuned all our course equipment and machinery, and introduced the Symbio project, allowing us to use fertilisers made from sustainable sources. By using this programme, it allowed us to win a Regional prize of a Gold Award in the Britain in Bloom Awards with an overall score of 94 per cent.

"We have become part of the wider community, with new housing being built on our doorstep, new residents have been introduced and welcomed to the club.

"A few of which are golfers, but primarily have joined as social members, visiting the club with friends and family for lunch, Sunday carvery or one of many of our social events.

"New members are given a tour of the club, and ‘buddied’ up with someone, to ensure their first few months are stress free, showing them how to sign up for competitions, the technology side and just ensuring they have no concerns and to check that their Burghill experience has been a pleasant one.

"We have a Neighbourhood food scheme – lifeline for some in the local community

"Also we provide Holiday Camps for kids to learn a new skill, assisting parents with childcare during school holidays."