Golf star Lee Westwood returns to familiar territory to open sports facility

CROWDS flocked to Kilton Forest Golf Course to see local sporting hero Lee Westwood unveil Bassetlaw's latest revamped public leisure facility.

The world number three, who was brought up just outside Worksop, met golf-mad youngsters and signed dozens of autographs as he teed off the official opening.

Together, Bassetlaw District Council and Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL), which runs the course on behalf of the council, have pumped £150,000 into the project to drastically improve facilities.

Mr Westwood spoke to the Retford Times about his fondness for the Kilton course.

"It's changed a lot from when I started playing here 24 years ago," he said. "The improvements are fantastic.

"Bassetlaw is a great golfing district with plenty of talented players and that is testament to places like this and the strength of British golf at the moment.

"It's very important to allow people this kind of access to the sport," he added.

The highest ranked European player, who has a chance to become world number one if he wins next week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, took time out to give eager youngsters some top tips and speak to club regulars.

The major revamp of the facilities includes refurbishments to the club house, bar and club shop and brand new changing rooms which feature state-of-the-art lockers, new washrooms and showers.

There is also a large extension to the rear of the building to create a brand new coffee lounge overlooking the course's manicured greens.

Further refurbishments planned for other leisure facilities in the district include Bircotes Leisure Centre which will be receiving new exercise equipment and an upgrade to its fitness suite in the next six months, according to BPL.

Mr Westwood was welcomed to the course by Deputy Leader of the district council, Councillor Keith Isard, Chairman of the authority, Councillor Ken Bullivant and officials from BPL.