FROM its small beginnings when it was formed in the chambers of the town's Barclays Bank on October 24, 1907, Selby Golf Club has gone from strength to strength.

Now, celebrating its 100th birthday, the club has big plans to mark its century.

Dinners, competitions, invitation days - all are in the offering before a massive marquee evening attended by some 750 crowns the centenary in style.

Selby Golf Club, located near the village of Brayton, just off the A19, is owned by its members and operates as a non-profit-making limited company.

An 18-hole, par 71, links-style course, it is regarded as a good test of golf and in a couple of weeks will host a county match between Yorkshire and Cheshire.

Its hardest hole is the 574-yard par-five fourth - long, running on a slight dogleg and guarded by bunkers on the right hand side.

With a virtually full membership, although no waiting list, club secretary/manager Neil Proctor believes it is the people who play at the course who have made it such a success over the years.

"We believe we have a very good golf course," he said. "It drains exceptionally well and it is also very attractive. We are fortunate in that we can play given virtually any amount of rain.

"Our membership is virtually full. It is very strong and they are very loyal to the club.

"There is a good social side at the club. We have around 150 social members and we hope to be celebrating for the next 100 years as well.

"We have a county match here soon and the Yorkshire Union would not have held it at Selby if they didn't think we had a good course."

Leading the club in this special season is Mike Sharp, who says it is "great honour" to be appointed the club's captain in its centenary year.

"It is quite an honour and a privilege to be captain this year," said Mike, a member since the 1970s, a nine handicapper and a section organiser throughout the years.

"It is excellent the club has marked its century but that is down to having good members, a good board and a good committee. Everything the club has become has been made possible by the members.

"There is a friendly atmosphere at the club and people take pride in everything. Importantly, it is a good test of golf.

"We had a scratch competition recently and no-one murdered the course. It should be a great year."

Selby Golf Club is holding a centenary week, which begins with a series of competitions starting on July 7, including a captain's am-am event on the Wednesday, leading up to the marquee dinner dance on July 14.

For more information about Selby Golf Club's centenary events, contact Neil Proctor on 01757 228622.