MEMBERSHIP chief Ron Hopkins is hoping Bolton Golf Club can continue to buck a trend that has seen a worldwide decline of interest in the sport.

Clubs are closing on a daily basis in America, which for many years helped drive up the popularity of golf.

Things are not much better in the UK, with many clubs struggling to remain open in the face of financial challenges.

But Bolton Golf Club, which is a proud member of the strong Bolton Golf Association, is really bucking all trends.

Over the past 12 months the Chorley New Road club has enjoyed a surge in popularity, with 43 new members joining this year.

Hopkins, head of the club's membership committee, said: "We were determined to reverse the trend of falling memberships.

"We have held several open days and invited anyone with an interest in taking up golf, as well as members of other clubs who might want to join Bolton's premier golf club.

"We have offered free lessons, golf clinics and held meet-the-members sessions, when prospective members have enjoyed afternoon tea and a tour of the club's facilities.

"By being proactive and having the best course and facilities and being able to show people what a friendly and welcoming club we are has resulted in these stunning results."

There are of course a range of different clubs across the town, with those part of the Bolton Golf Association offering a wide variety of courses to cater for everyone from the beginner and those on a tight budget to scratch handicappers looking for a serious challenge.

But Bolton Golf Club can certainly lay claim to being the oldest club in Bolton.

Hopkins added: "Its history goes back to 1891 when local mill owners decided to build a golf course near Green Lane and later moved the club to its current site on Chorley New Road in 1911.

"It is also the chosen home of the Professional Golfers Association with their northern offices on site."

Bolton Golf Club's next open day will be held on Saturday, August 27, between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

Anyone interested in the event, from men and women from beginners to established golfers, and juniors to seniors should contact Ian Orrell or Aaron Moon, the club's professional team, to book a place.

The can be reached by phone on 01204 843073 or email at ianorrell@foremostgolf.com.

Further details are also available on the club's website at www.boltongolfclub.co.uk.