WILTSHIRE pro Richard Lawless has revealed he joined Brinkworth’s Woodbridge Park Golf Club because it is a club on the up.

The experienced Lawless was previously head pro at the neighbouring Wiltshire Golf Hotel & Country Club for eight years, but made the switch to Woodbridge last week.

“It was a difficult decision to make leaving an established club and moving to a less well known venue,” he said.

“I was approached by the then new owner Ross Williams about moving in March last year. Having known Ross during his time as course manager at Bowood and his experience with the European Tour, I thought it could be a tremendous move.

“But having a young family I decided to hold on and wait to see if the planned course improvements promised came to fruition.

“Twelve months later I toured the course with Ross and was extremely impressed at what improvements had been made.

“It is obvious that other golfers feel the same, as the club has seen a massive increase in membership of more than 34 per cent, at a time when other clubs have declining memberships. That clinched the deal for me.”

Lawless was personally trained by Scott Cranfield, a man whose impressive list of players includes Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els and Bradley Dredge.

Previously employed at Pestana Golf Resorts in Portugal, at the time home to the renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Lawless coaches all levels of golfers from the complete novice to established European Tour pros.

His most successful student is Trish Johnson, a multiple tour Winner and Solheim Cup player.

Woodbridge owner Williams added: “I was so glad when Richard finally agreed to move to Brinkworth. Undoubtedly his expertise in coaching at all levels will bring added value to our members.

“I wish him good luck in his new post as director of coaching, a sentiment I know that is echoed by all the club’s captains, members and staff.”