A MUNICIPAL golf course is about to undergo a major redevelopment to attract more players.

Stressholme Golf Club, which is owned by Darlington Borough Council, is one of the most popular and highly regarded courses in the area.

But most of the facilities were built in the late 1970s and are now outdated.

The council has decided to modernise the club, which is next to the A66, near Blands Corner.

The renovation work, which will start shortly, includes refurbishing the club house and bar.

The open tunnel area leading to the practice green is being turned into an enclosed foyer for extra comfort, and there will be a new entrance to the club shop.

The local authority hopes the improvements will attract more people to the club both golfers and non-golfers.

Steve Thompson, the club's leisure and catering manager, said: "We want to offer the club as a venue for conferences, meetings and for the family.

"We are extending the services offered in the clubhouse and will open from 7am to late at night, serving meals throughout the day."

Changes to the golf course are being kept to a minimum because it is already popular with golfers.

But the council is improving the bunkers and doing a lot of horticultural work to make it look more attractive.

After consultation with players, the 16th hole is being reinstated as a par five.

Mr Thompson said: "We will have new planted areas around the course and are also working on improving the footpaths.

"There are currently around 50,000 rounds of golf played on the course every year, and we hope the improvements we are making will attract even more people."

There will be some minor disruption while the work is carried out, and golfers are being advised that the booking area for a round will be moved to the driving range.

l Stressholme Golf Club prices:

From Monday to Friday per round - £11.

Twilight round (after 7pm) - £6.

Weekend round - £13.

Monday to Friday day ticket (unlimited rounds) - £18.60.

Weekend day ticket (unlimited rounds) - £21.20.

Adult season ticket - £345.

Junior season ticket - £95.

Couple season ticket - £650.

Large basket for driving range - £3.

Small basket for driving range - £2.30.