Superb new tees program future-proofs west Norfolk gem

Ryston Park Golf Club is offering a fresh challenge in 2026 after the completion of an

exciting initiative at the nine-hole course.

Last month the west Norfolk club opened eight new tees, and the extensive changes

have been met with widespread approval from its members. with the ninth hole having been adapted previously, the recent development program – costing around £45,000 – has ensured there are now 18 different teeing grounds. Modifications have resulted in the course slightly extending in length and becoming a par-71.

Ryston Park Golf Club captain Stuart Murphy said: “When we first came up with the

idea of building the new tees, a few members were a bit sceptical about whether the

club needed to add them for fear of ‘ruining the course’.

“But now they are in play there has been nothing but praise for them. They have

been enthusiastically welcomed by all members. It’s testament to our small greenkeepers’ team and all the volunteers who helped build, refine, and get the new tees ready for play.

“It’s a true honour to be the captain to take the club into a new era for the course.”

Perhaps the most noticeable difference is at the 2nd. On the opening loop the hole

plays as a 437-yard par-4 but it becomes a 484-yard par-5 the second time golfers

reach it.

The nature of the eighth hole has altered with players needing firepower to get to

the corner of the dog-leg par-4.

Significant angle changes make the third and 10th holes entirely different propositions.

Similarly, a slight tweak at the par-3 13th means the hole sets up nicely on the eye from the new tee.

Club secretary Andy Ware and greenkeeper Tiff Mills have been at the heart of the

changes to a design that first opened for play back in 1933.

Ware explained: “The reason for alterations to the course was to safeguard the long-

term future of the club, making it more challenging and attractive to new and

existing members.”

In the early months of 2025 dozens of poplars were removed and more than 300

tons of soil excavated for use in the project. A further 260 tons of top soil was

acquired from British Sugar. Hall Construction then carried out the work required to

build the tees.

From last summer Mills has spent significant time seeding the tees and strengthening the young grass in preparation for the 2026 season.

She said: “With help from Collier Turf Care we created a program that would quickly

see the tees establish. However, little did we know we would have such a dry

summer, so seeding was challenging with constant watering needed.”

Mills, who is the current Norfolk Ladies county captain, has enjoyed getting her teeth

into the project.

She added: “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to create parts of the golf course

we used to leave wild or at rough height.”

Golfers from the rest of the Norfolk will get the chance to see the all-new Ryston

Park for themselves when the Coronation Salvers – an historic Norfolk County Golf

Union foursomes stableford competition – takes place at the course on Sunday, May

24.

Ryston Park secretary Andy Ware (left), greenkeeper TiffMills and club captain Stuart Murphy are pleased with lay-out changes at the west Norfolkcourse.