Golf


A misty morning across one of the fourteen lakes on the course


seen an era of real growth and improvement,” - a fitting tribute to a turnaround in fortunes that promises much for the future of this picturesque sport and leisure destination. Resting in delightful Worcestershire


countryside, the 18-hole parkland course is still maturing as its mix of deciduous saplings, planted when the course was constructed, lends character and challenge to the round. Peter Wood’s daughter Claire markets the


hotel and hospitality side of the business, leaving everyday management of Bransford’s holes to Graham. Up to £0.5m has been pumped into


provision indoors and out, Graham estimates, but the first priority was accommodating vehicles. “The car park was retarmaced because the surface had eroded. That too was a six-figure sum, then we bought new machinery - rough and semi- rough cutters, greens iron and tractors.” Improvements to the “aesthetics”


proceeded apace too, as Wood introduced “


double-glazing to the clubhouse and refurbished the changing rooms. A proprietary club with some 370 active


and involved members, Bransford is billed as a ‘Florida-style’ course. “Jo Farr, who constructed the course, played a heap of golf in the States and decided to name each of the holes after various US golf courses he played,” Graham discloses. He liked water too. “We have fourteen


lakes and two island greens, so the Stateside connection is strong in that respect too,” adds Graham. The course is also one of the few in the country to boast six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. “It’s a challenging course suiting all levels of the game, from low handicaps to hotel guests here for their annual golf and spa break.”


Golf suiting all ages and abilities ranks highly in Graham’s priorities for how the game should develop. As a lifelong golfer himself playing off a handicap of 1, he holds strong views on how clubs can capitalise on modern trends. “They need to have the


facilities to attract the family so some members can enjoy relaxation and leisure, others can enjoy a round or just 9 holes if they wish. We have introduced 9-hole memberships for this reason.” As Bank House’s visitor demographic shifts with the introduction of its spa provision, so too will that on Bransford’s fairways. “We cater for the members, of course,” Graham stresses, “as well as golf breaks and the steady corporate market.” Society days are definitely on the rise, he reports - a sure sign that word has spread about the quality of facility indoors and out. Transient business has changed


dramatically too, one reason why clubs increasingly offer flexible memberships and golf packages, two for one deals and so on to suit a wide demographic, he explains. Still only 48, Graham has spent his life in


greenkeeping. Leaving school at sixteen, intending to go to college to train in the profession, he came up against the familiar Catch 22.


“In those days, you needed a year’s


In those days, you needed a year’s experience at a course before you would be accepted at college. I remember writing to sixteen sites asking if they would take me on as an apprentice. They all refused


30 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017


Graham on the 7th tee - he plays off a handicap of 1


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