Hole-in-one for Thetford Golf Club as members elect to buy land from Crown Estate

Thetford Golf Club donated �11,100 to East Anglia's Children's Hospices last year. Picutred are members of the club at the Captain's Day in July, 2016. Picture: Laura Stafford Allen (Image: Laura Stafford Allen)

Club members gave overwhelming support to the move at an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday and there are hopes the purchase could be concluded by April.

The purchase will cap off an extraordinary turn-around for the club, which just five years ago was struggling to pay its rent and was facing falling membership.

Malcolm Grubb, club manager, said he was thrilled about the decision to move ahead and buy the land.

Mr Grubb said: 'It is going to be an exciting year for the club.

Philip Beer pictured at Thetford Golf Club, where he scored a hole-in-one in 2014. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Submitted)

'We have built up funds over the past couple of years which means we can make a down payment and then it will be a matter of making repayments on borrowing rather than paying rent.

'A number of members have already offered to support the venture and our treasurer, Chris White, is drawing up a debenture offer which has already attracted interest.'

According to England Golf, one of the country's golf clubs closes down every 12 to 15 days.

But Mr Grubb said the Thetford club had gone from strength to strength after a low point in 2012.

Aaron Bullock chips onto the 18th green during the Norfolk Amateur Golf Championship at Thetford Golf Club in 2012. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

He said the club had then been saved by an agreement to revise the terms of the lease accompanied by a cost-cutting exercise.

Mr Grubb said: 'Membership is back up to near maximum levels, income from visitors is up and all reports suggest the course is in great condition.

'Now the club's committee is considering various options to finance the purchase, including the possibility of offering debentures to members or straightforward loans or mortgages.'

For more information about the club, call Mr Grubb on 01842 752169, email secretary@thetfordgolfclub.co.uk or visit www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk

Ellie Brown, 16, who won the Norfolk Ladies Golf Championships at Thetford Golf Club in 2016. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)