Timmins says Hardy investment means secure future

Joe Timmins admits he is ‘humbled’ to be captain of The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club during one of the most important times in its history.

Timmins will play in the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge Midlands B qualifying event at Coxmoor Golf Club in Nottinghamshire on September 13.

He is paired up with the Cotgrave club’s PGA Professional Robert Smith, and the duo are aiming to earn a trip to Spain for the £22,000 final, staged in association with Golfplan, which takes place between November 6-7 at Arabella Golf Mallorca.

But Timmins says it is away from the competition where the major developments have taken place at The Nottinghamshire, which is owned by Alan Hardy who is also chairman of Notts County Football Club.

“I’m very proud and humbled to be captain of the club this year, the owner Alan Hardy has invested £2million on a refurbishment for the golf club, hotel and restaurant, and it looks fantastic,” said the 58-year-old 13-handicapper.

“It’s not quite complete and there are some finishing touches to be done, but members are feeling the benefit now.

“We have a new pro shop, and the point is that the focus is still on golf and golfers. The corporate side still needs to grow, it’s doing really well on that side, but the among all the ambitions, they’re not going to forget that it is still a golf club.

“The new MD Amanda Fletcher held a meeting there recently and gave a massive commitment to helping the golf side.

“We all seem to be heading in the right direction and it’s really positive for the future. I’ve seen owners come and go.

“But it puts your mind at rest when people invest that money, and investment that has included the golf course as part of that package. It’s a place you can proud to show to your friends. The venue just blows you away.”

Timmins, who works in property management, has been a member at The Nottinghamshire for 15 years - but the course is only 25 years old.

“I’ve been looking forwards to playing at Coxmoor, recently I’ve scored well in competitions and my form isn’t too bad, but you never know what’ll happen on the day,” he said.

Other teams due to play at Coxmoor include the host pairing of Phil Edwards and Gren Patman; Brian Rimmer/Jon Wood (Little Aston Golf Club); Craig Phillips/Nik Gajic (Nuneaton Golf Club); Michael Bradley/Mick Grindle (Notts Golf Club); Nick Soto/Ian Clarkson (Northampton Golf Club); Cameron Clark/David Efferidge (Moor Hall Golf Club); New Hallam/Derel Martin (Alfreton Golf Club) and Danny Spillane/Paul Roberts (Rothley Park Golf Club)

For more details on the event at Coxmoor, click here.