FOREST of Galtres GC has opened a purpose-built undercover driving range to reinforce its improvement drive.

Featuring six-bays - and at ten feet wide each more spacious than most rivals - the range is part of the club's on-going policy to improve facilities at the club, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary as an 18-hole course. Its first year in 1993 was as a nine-hole course.

Besides offering a place for the club's 500-plus members to practise sheltered from the elements, the range will also be used by club professional Phil Bradley. He and his training session pupils will mainly occupy the two central berths, said club secretary Sue Proctor.

"It's a great teaching place for Phil while being an additional benefit for members," she enthused. "More and more players don't just want to go straight to the course. They want to hit a few balls. To have this range is a big boost."

The six-bay wood-constructed range blends well into the sylvan surroundings of a course located in the heart of the ancient Forest of Galtres that flourished on York's outskirts for many centuries.

It was built by Edwin Thorpe, a local craftsman who has worked extensively on the course.

Meanwhile, pro' Bradley has unveiled an Easter holiday junior coaching programme on Monday and Tuesday, April 5-6 and on Thursday, April 8, from 10.30am-11.30am at £5 an hour.

Bradley's weekly coaching sessions are (juniors) each Sunday from 11am to noon; (ladies) each Wednesday 10.30am to 11.30 am; and (seniors) each Thursday 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Individual lessons are also available, including use of video, at £14 per half-hour.

Updated: 11:46 Saturday, March 27, 2004