THE new manager of Grange Park Golf Club has revealed his keen ambition to make it a central part of the community.

The club, on Prescot Road, has a rich history and is one of the oldest in the area with a playing membership of around 500.

John Jackson, 28, from Eccleston, has taken over the club and says he is keen to make it a stronger presence in the community and remove any perceptions of exclusivity.

"One thing we are having a focus on is functions so we're able to have birthday parties and Christenings and to make it part of the community, even if you don't play golf," said former De La Salle pupil John.

"People think with Grange Park it is difficult to get in as a member but actually we are welcoming members and not just full members. We have a 125 membership for ladies completely new to golf.

"More people are playing golf then ever before but they are not joining clubs. I want to provide a warm welcome and one of the things I'd like is to introduce younger people."

John, who has laid out his ambitions for Grange Park to England Golf, was delighted to be informed the course will host the English Senior Men’s County Finals in 2021, which John says will help put the club on the map.

"We are the first club in Lancashire to be hosting it, this is a prestigious competition for the club to host," added John, who is a PGA professional.

Grange Park celebrated its 125th anniversary two years ago, and has a rich history and is renowned as being one of the highest quality golf courses in the area.

Having opened in 1891, the club moved across Prescot Road to the location of the current course in 1927.

"I want everyone to know about this place, it is the best golf course around here but what I find is a lot of people don't know about it or aren't aware of how good it is," said John, who won a bursary from the Club Managers Association of Europe for Managers Under 30, beating others from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"I want to put the club on the map. I think this is a great opportunity to showcase the place."

For more information on the club visit grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk