THE Worcestershire Golf Club in Malvern Wells is one step closer to achieving its goals with the appointment of Steve Lloyd as the club’s new course manager.

Lloyd, who is steeped in green-keeping tradition having followed both his grandfather and uncle into the profession, has nevertheless kept abreast of recent trends and modern practices.

He is an active member of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association and current chairman of the south Wales region.

Lloyd said: “I would just like to take this opportunity to say I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the position of course manager at The Worcestershire.

“After almost 18 years at Burghill Valley, I am now ready for a new and exciting challenge.

“I can’t wait to get started and be part of the team taking this prestigious golf course forward to a new level.”

The Worcestershire club chairman, Jim Wilde, said: “We have a superb course here in a spectacular setting.

“We have set ourselves the challenge of making it the best we can both for our members and for visiting golfers.

“I’m delighted Steve has chosen to join us to help bring out its true potential.”

Lloyd and his wife, Amanda, attended a packed clubhouse for the monthly lottery evening, where he met members and enjoyed his first taste of the hospitality at the venue.

Wilde continued: “The club are extremely pleased with Steve’s appointment and wanted to welcome him and his family into The Worcestershire fold.

“Steve shares our ambitions for the club and has already made his mark in a very short time.”

Established in 1879, The Worcestershire is the oldest golf club in Worcestershire and one of the oldest in England.

It is noted both for the challenging greens and the spectacular backdrop of the Malvern Hills.

The club’s management are hoping improvements scheduled for the coming year will, once again, make The Worcestershire one of the finest and most sought-after golf courses in the region.