THE foundation stone was laid at the site of a new clubhouse and driving range in St Ives on Saturday, marking the final phase of an £8million investment in golfing facilities. Construction of the inland links-style course is nearing completion, which sig

THE foundation stone was laid at the site of a new clubhouse and driving range in St Ives on Saturday, marking the final phase of an £8million investment in golfing facilities.

Construction of the inland links-style course is nearing completion, which signals the start of building work on the clubhouse, driving range and other associated buildings. All work is on target to complete next summer.

Philip Casey, President of St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club, put the commemorative foundation stone into place. He was joined by club members and the architects and construction experts who are responsible for this major development.

Mr Casey said: "This is a very exciting project for the club, and one that has had tremendous support from its members. These facilities will put us in the premier league in terms of golfing facilities in the area. It is so satisfying to see our plans unfolding, and to be able to clearly visualise the future potential for St Ives Golf Club."

Mr Casey said one of the most significant developments for the club was a partnership, which has been formed with Acushnet Ltd. This St Ives-based company is one of the world leaders in the design and manufacture of golf equipment, with brands such as Titleist, Cobra, Pinnacle and Footjoy. The club has agreed to provide dedicated bays in the new driving range for the exclusive use of Acushnet, to provide custom fit equipment to their players, and other golfers from around East Anglia.

The driving range and maintenance facilities are due to be complete by the end of this year. The clubhouse will be ready for fitting out in the spring, with a provisional opening date of June 2009.

The links-style course is complete. The final greens and fairways have been seeded, and on-going maintenance and shaping of features on the course will continue until the course opens in summer 2009.

Work on the clubhouse, maintenance buildings and driving range has begun, led by Ashe Construction Ltd.