A PICTURESQUE 18-hole golf course nestled high up in the Herefordshire countryside has been sold to three local businessmen.

Herefordshire Golf Club hit the market in May with an asking price of between £1milion and £1.25m.

But it's now been bought by local businessmen Kev Gallagher, James Davenport and Dr Malcolm Russell.

The trio say they plan to invest a substantial amount over the next two years to revive and modernise the club.

They also want to support the local economy with redevelopment plans to secure the long term future of the club, providing local employment and offering a boost to tourism.

The investment includes an extensive refurbishment of the clubhouse along with plans to upgrade the club’s facilities and create a high-quality restaurant based around local produce to "promote the best of Herefordshire".

There will also be a fully-equipped pro shop.

The new owners will be looking to increase membership while also attracting more visitors and societies, and have plans to make the club more welcoming to families and hope to attract more female members while also developing the junior section.

Kev Gallagher, who's also a director at Herefordshire-based Prometheus Medical, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we have purchased the prestigious Herefordshire Golf Club.

"As impassioned residents, keen golfers and experienced business owners, we will ensure the club is prosperous, serving the local community as well as attracting audiences and players from all over the country to establish the club as a premium golfing destination for the region."

Established in 1896, the Herefordshire Golf Club, in Wormsley, has been dubbed The Gleneagles of the Midlands and was proposed host for the 2020 Midlands Mid Amateur Championship.

The course, which occupies a site of c.51 hectares (126 acres), comprises the James Braid designed 6,055 yard (par 70) golf course, practice facilities, a substantial two-storey clubhouse (with two bedroom apartment), golf shop and ancillary facilities.