Historic golf club opening its doors for free family fun to celebrate Norfolk Day

Families, novices and experienced golfers can learn new skills and enjoy an historic course to celebrate Norfolk Day.

The Royal Norwich Golf Club on Drayton High Road, Hellesdon, is opening its doors on Friday, July 27 in a bid to promote the joys of the sport.

This year is also a landmark era for the club, which started 125 years ago, because it will be relocating to Weston Longville in September next year.

Neil Lythgoe, director of golf at the club and PGA professional, said: 'I'm born and bred in Norfolk. I feel strongly about the county.

'It will be a good day to get people involved. We want to promote golf in general. We want to get the message out to people that they can get involved in the sport.'

He was particularly keen to attract more families to the club, which will offer non-golfing opportunities at the new site.

Mr Lythgoe, 42, from Norwich, added the perception that golf was exclusive and expensive was changing.

'New club members are coming in thick and fast. It is exciting,' he added.

The 42-year-old said club membership had recently increased from just over 400 to 730.

Members range from five to someone who recently celebrated their 100th birthday.

The free family golf day starts at 9am and is open to anyone of any age.

Youngsters can take part in a putting competition and those with more experience can develop their technique in a free professionally-led lesson.

Golfers with their own clubs can also play eight holes of the 18-hole course.

Refreshments will be available until 1pm and the club team will talk about the relocation.

The new site, to be renamed Royal Norwich, will feature bike paths, nature trails, a bakery and microbrewery.

It is costing just under £20m to create and is funded by the sale of the Hellesdon site, to become a Persimmon Homes development.

Mr Lythgoe added Royal Norwich would be 'the most incredible place you could imagine'.

The golf event will run on a first come, first served basis. To register interest email mail@royalnorwichgolf.co.uk

?To send in Norfolk Day event details email norfolkday@archant.co.uk

Norfolk Day shop

An online shop has been launched selling Norfolk Day marketing material which event organisers can display on the day.

The shop is selling a four-pack of flags, four-pack of A3 posters and 20 balloons at £4, while 5m of bunting is £8.

Celebration packs containing all of the above are available for £18.

Norfolk Day takes place on Friday, July 27 and is intended as a day of fun in which individuals, community groups and businesses are encouraged to get involved by hosting or participating in events.

The initiative was launched by the EDP and Norwich Evening News in partnership with BBC Radio Norfolk and has the backing of business and community organisations who are planning events for the day.

Details of events will be revealed in the newspaper, online and via social media.

To order all of your Norfolk Day materials visit www.norfolkday.co.uk to view the complete range on offer.

If you have any problems with deliveries email shop@readeroffersplus.co.uk