JOE Ferguson is used to helping golfing stars such as Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington improve their game.

But now the new head professional at the Herefordshire Golf Club is bringing the newest advances in technology to Wormsley to ensure players of all levels can reduce their handicap.

The indoor coaching studio features launch monitors that can analyse golfers' technique in the finest of details.

Ferguson hopes players from across the region will travel to take advantage of the high speed camera systems that analyse data focussing on aspects ranging from club head speeds and attack angles to spin rates and ball carries.

"As a coach it shows me how I can help players improve," he said.

"And it means we can custom build kit for players so they are using the best shaft, grip and weight for their technique."

The investment in the new technology comes at a time when the club, the oldest in Herefordshire, looks to end a transitional period.

Ferguson says the 'golfing landscape has changed' and is glad to have the backing of a new committee who understand the challenges facing the sport.

"We need to make the club a welcoming place for youngsters and families in general," he said.

"So we need to make the juniors feel like they are wanted and valued.

"I want to reach out to schools, host junior summer camps and be more pro-active on social media to ensure the club is still around for another 100-plus years."

The 35-year-old spent much of his time as a junior at Cleobury Mortimer before representing England at amateur levels through all the age groups.

He turned professional in 2006 and played on the EuroPro tour and a few European Tour events.

Ferguson later became the head pro at Celtic Manor and head of retail at the Newport course before training the stars of the game in Surrey.

But the dad-of-two is now happy to be back closer to the courses where he grew up and first fell in love with the game.

"Like a lot of clubs, we have faced challenges recently," he said.

"But I think the ship has been steadied and it is time to look to the future with optimism.

"It's such a wonderful course – the best around.

"We just need to make sure the experience we offer off the course matches the quality of playing on it."