A BEWDLEY golf club has changed hands after being taken over.

Allan Umbers and his wife, Anne, are the new owners of Wharton Park Golf Club and will be running it with their children, Stacie, 28 and Matthew, 26.

Although the club was not on the market when Mr Umbers decided to buy it, he approached the manager after seeing its “potential” and negotiated the sale.

Mr Umbers now plans to upgrade the facilities at the club and has already started to make improvements to the restaurant and bar.

“We were looking for a golf course to buy because my daughter has worked for a golf club for 10 years,” said Mr Umbers, of Evesham.

“We’re delighted with this purchase. It is a very exciting time for everyone. The club has got a good reputation and I think we can improve on that.”

As part of the improvements, Mr Umbers plans to get a covered driving range for the club, to make it easier for youngsters to use.

He will also revamp the bar and include a shop that serves food and the changing rooms will be updated and modernised.

“The club is going to be completely upgraded, “ explained Mr Umbers, “If you don’t move with the times you get left behind.

“We believe Wharton Park Golf Club is a truly hidden gem in Worcestershire. It is our intention that the club will become one of the most important golfing venues in the Midlands.”

Stacie, who is the club’s marketing director, said: “We will endeavour to build on the reputation the club has earned under the previous ownership.

“We are intending to further upgrade the club and, in particular, the golfing facilities.

“We feel it is important to canvass the opinions of our members to ensure that any changes are in line with their wishes.”

Membership subscriptions at the club will be frozen this year and the joining fee will be waived until June to encourage new membership.