MEMBERS at Walmersley Golf Club can now get through their rounds quicker after a new bridge was constructed at the course.

A second crossing over the water hazard in front of the seventh green, on the right-hand side of the fairway, was officially opened last week and has been named 'A Bridge Too Far'.

Walmersley vice captain Steve Fox and Frank Priestley (ex-captain and president) together with help from a dozen members and the greens staff over a period of weeks, built the impressive stone bridge.

They collected old stones off the course, were donated a water funnel and an engraved plaque, all free of charge.

Work began in late April and was completed last month thanks to the good weather.

Paul Parry was the lucky person who won a bottle of malt whisky by naming the bridge 'A Bridge Too Far' – a name selected from numerous suggestions sent in by the membership.

The bridge's grand opening took place on Monday, July 23 with Phil Brimelow (captain) cutting the ribbon and announcing it officially ready for use with all who assisted in attendance as well as a large number of members.

The plaque was fitted to one side of the bridge and engraved in remembrance of Harry Coles – a long-serving member and past chairman of the Bury and District Golf Association, a past secretary of Walmersley GC and also a past president and captain.

He died a few years ago and was a person who was highly respected and a cornerstone of Walmersley GC.

Tom McMahon, a past president and captain and good friend of Mr Coles, was asked to unveil the plaque by the club and to say a few words.

Steve Fox said: "Special mention must be given to Tony Pate, Dave Greenhalgh, John Kilburn and the green staff plus the head greens manager, Brett Hannah, for their contributions, without which this construction would not have been completed."