Plans for a new state-of-the-art course irrigation system are to be discussed by members of Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, with a decision expected on the £500,000-plus project early next month.

With the existing system, installed around 35 years ago, past its working life, in need of constant maintenance and not capable of being extended to provide water to key fairways, the club management committee “considers it essential to the club’s future to keep the course in good condition.”

Members have been invited to information meetings, the first being tomorrow (Wed, July 24) to discuss the plans and proposals, with a second meeting on July 29. If the scheme is approved at a general meeting of  members on August 9, work on the project could start in early-Autumn.

Says Club President Brian Carter: “We have been investigating our options to get water on the course to alleviate the impact of another hot dry summer, and thanks to some fortunate windfalls and prudent financial management over the past few years, we have built up funds that can be used to address the issue.”

As well as the installation of a new ring-main around the 18-hole course, plans include a borehole and water storage facilities and technology which will enable key areas to be individually watered for timed periods and volumes.

The club, which has 600 playing members, is also currently planning for its centenary in 2025.

Hairdresser Anne Tilbury had her handicap clipped by a shot after winning the first round of Leighton Ladies Handicap Cup with a nett 70. But it didn’t prevent her carding a nett 76 in the second round to be crowned champion. The three-times Captains Cup winner finished with a combined total of 146 to beat runner-up Jane Tizzard by four shots. The second round event was won by Patti Marriott with a nett 73, two shots clear of Sandra Bellis.

It’s been a sweet ‘n sour week for Leighton teams. The club squad beat South Beds 4-0 with wins by skipper Robbie John and Neil Laming, Nick Tingey and Tim Martin, Andy McDonald and Simon Enright and John Latimer and Simon Rossiter, with Billy O’Neill and Dave Roffe halving their match.

But Leighton Seniors are still searching for their first away win of the season, losing 5-3 at Dunstable Downs. George Bashford and Stephen Maddison, Andrew Mcdonald and Steve Marriott and Ian Rimmer and Graham Avery were the Leighton winners.

Two Leighton seniors hit holes-in-one on the same hole last week Retired British Rail manager George Darbyshire , 82, used a six-iron for his inch perfect 150-yard  ace on Leighton’s 14^th  on his way to a Lucking Cup win over Ian Woodman, while Alec Jones had cause for a special celebration before his 80^th birthday on Friday by hitting an ace on the same hole two days later with an eight iron playing with Club Captain Robbie John and John Tarbox.

Leighton golfer John Smith won the Sandhouse Conemarra Cup with 36pts at Wellingborough on Wednesday – and returned to the same course the following day to win the Mentmore Old Boys meeting with 38pts, beating Anton Bednarek on countback.