It’s new-look Banbridge GC

Six of the greens that have stood the test of time for 100 years have been completely redesigned and rebuilt.

A new green has also been built at the 16th hole.

Bunkers have been repositioned, fairways have been reshaped and some trees have been removed.

The alterations have drawn widespread praise from the members and visitors alike.

Ken Kearney, a course architect from Kilkenny, was instrumental in drawing up the overall design of the holes.

The greens staff, ably assisted by a number of volunteer helpers, carried out the work.

But a project like this needs somebody to oversee the work and ensure that everything is done to a high standard.

That man was Noel McSherry who has worked tirelessly for over three years to see his dreams for Banbridge golf course fulfilled.

Noel will always give credit to his right hand man, Ian Boyce, the club captain Bill McCandless and his other volunteer helpers.

The greens staff has lots of other duties but they helped out tremendously.

Geordie Hamilton, for example, is a virtual genius with a mini-digger.

He could by now almost build a green on his own.

If you haven’t played Banbridge golf course for some time, pay it a visit and you will be pleasantly surprised.

The greens project is almost finished and all the local golfers owe a huge debt of gratitude to Noel and his team. It’s a job well done!