HIGH-TECH growth at York University is to be targeted by Fulford Golf Club.

Club general manager Gary Pearce declared how the expansion at the campus could well offer rich pickings to the club which is deep in the throes of celebrating its centenary.

But as the historic milestone is marked by a flurry of events throughout the year, Pearce's gaze was also looking further to the continued wellbeing of the club and that's where the extra capacity at the University complex could prove beneficial.

Pearce told The Press: "One of the key business areas for Fulford Golf Club is the corporate market. Just down the road from us we have the university and its Science Park which will have a lot of companies.

"They will be companies who will be interested in golf as a form of entertainment. We would hope to have some part of that business as it is an exciting opportunity to increase demand."

The general manager warned that golf in Yorkshire was nearing saturation point, but he has been encouraged by the attitude of the controlling Board at the Heslington-based club to believe that Fulford's future remained extremely bright as it headed into its second century.

Citing statistics that revealed how for the first year in many years, membership among clubs throughout Yorkshire - up to now one of the nation's biggest boom areas - had not shown any growth, Pearce maintained how it was important for the club to keep its eye square on the ball.

"I don't want to be a prophet of doom, but golf will not be looking particularly strong," said Pearce. "While the demand has been strong in Yorkshire, that demand has reached saturation. And in the next few years there will be some stagnation in golf.

"I am not for one minute suggesting that Fulford will ever become a casualty - we are probably the strongest club in this area (North Yorkshire).

"And since I have arrived I have been encouraged by the feeling within the club. The plans for the centenary year are, of course, very exciting, but the Board also has a progressive outlook towards the future.

"It's good that the Board recognise the need to operate a little bit sharper and more on commercial lines if we are to continue to stand out among other clubs."

He added: "Our core strength is our membership and you cannot overlook that. It's making sure that we continue to give value to the members by getting the balance right."

Updated: 10:44 Saturday, May 13, 2006