Hamptworth have just celebrated their tenth birthday - but this spring they have something more to get excited about.

Until last autumn the greens had a reputation as being among the best in the west region.

Unfortunately an over-enthusiastic employee - now departed - applied a chemical moss-killer of the wrong proportions last October causing noticeable damage.

Manager and professional Phil Stevens, whose company took the club over from the receivers almost seven years ago, said: "We have overseeded them and they are coming back rapidly at about 20 per cent a week."

He was concerned that the damage would adversely affect membership renewals. But he needn't have worried. There has been a record take-up since April 1 and there are now about 670 members in all categories.

There was acclamation recently from a trio of golf's elder statesmen who played a round together. John Jacobs, who lives locally, was joined by Bernard Gallacher and Bernard Coles.

The skilful use of the River Blackwater is a major feature of the Landford-based course.

It meanders across the course and comes into play on seven holes. This makes Hamptworth a true thinker's course. Anyone who simply blasts away will attract danger.

Yet it is not too long. Nine of the par fours are under 400 yards from the yellow tees and a couple about the 300-yard mark.

The owners, who also run Cowdray Park in Sussex, bought the course from the receivers just over six years ago and their first task was to build a stylish clubhouse.