GOLFERS at a Rowley Regis course have teed off the first phase of a £50,000 investment to improve disabled access.

A platform lift has been installed at the Turners Hill clubhouse, home of Dudley Golf Club.

It has been funded by a grant from Sport England National Lottery Inspired Facilities award totalling £49,410.

The lift will enable wheelchair-users and people with mobility difficulties to join in social activities and family events in the clubhouse, where the social function areas are on the first floor.

The second phase of improved access will see the construction of buggy paths on the course itself.

The paths, eagerly awaited by 90 per cent of members surveyed, will be laid out next spring.

Club captain Ivan Jones said: “The provision of the lift will have a major impact on the social life of many members and visitors.”

It is hoped the club, which is a venue for community social events, fundraising and family celebrations, will be used by disabled people affected by closures and reductions in opening times of facilities available to them.

Current users and supporters of the club facilities include a Weight Watchers group, the West Midland Patient Support Group of the National Aspergillosis Trust and AgeWell which has more than 1,300 members working to enable older people to stay fitter, healthier and independent for longer.

The lift was built and installed by Deltron Lifts Ltd, based on Sandwell Business Park, with additional work carried out by golf club members.

Mr Jones added: “We have received tremendous support from the Black Country Consortium, England Golf regional and county development officers, Worcestershire County Golf Partnerships, the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Ladies County Golf Association and, of course, the members of Dudley Golf Club.

“Without their support we would not have got this award and I thank them on behalf of all the people who will benefit from this.”

Dudley Golf Club was founded in 1893 and is the oldest golf club in the region. The club is owned by the members, predominantly local people, and prides itself on being part of the community.