Driving ruled out by the wintry weather

Chris Potter of Norfolk Premier Golf says continuing bad weather is affecting golf courses and driving ranges across the region. Winter is usually a good time for driving ranges, as golf courses are forced to shut due to bad weather.

Chris Potter of Norfolk Premier Golf says continuing bad weather is affecting golf courses and driving ranges across the region.

Winter is usually a good time for driving ranges, as golf courses are forced to shut due to bad weather. However, despite remaining open throughout the entire festive period, numbers are down as people are reluctant to face the elements, as Potter explained.

'Most golf courses in the area have only been open for a few days in the last month or so, so usually we gain in this period, but it has not really been the case recently.

"The last weekend of 2009 was fairly good, but for the last week, we have been virtually empty."

Potter felt accessibility had been a key factor in the declining numbers.

'In the bad weather, people have been advised not to travel unless it's absolutely necessary, so I doubt very much whether people would risk bad roads just to hit a few balls down the range."

However Potter was determined not to let the bad weather affect the high standards of the driving range near Blofield, and had even installed bay heaters in a bid to attract more custom.

'We just have to stay as professional as possible and keep our standards high. We have installed four bay heaters which are free to use, and they've been very popular. Hopefully our numbers will go up as the weather improves."