RETIRING Colin Colenso is part of the furniture at Worcester Golf and Country Club.

The 65-year-old steps down from the role of club professional after 30 years in the position.

Golfers come and go, but Colenso, who also runs the club shop, has made his own unique mark on the Bransford Road club, one that will be remembered for many years to come.

Colenso was born in Germany before moving to England when his father was stationed at Gaydon with the RAF.

He spent several years redesigning the Worcester club's idyllic course and is still involved with its upkeep.

Indeed, he will continue as the curator once Graham Farr takes over as new club professional.

Changes to the course began in 1990 to keep balls away from the busy Bransford Road and Swinton Lane area and adjustments continued until the course was officially re-opened five years later.

It follows the lay-out employed by the famous Alister MacKenzie, who co-designed the Augusta National in Georgia, home of the Masters.

The course also caters for the traditional British weather, allowing golfers to take a different route when the rain comes and parts of the course are under water.

"I redesigned the course in 1990 due to Bransford Road and Swinton Lane," Colenso said.

"It's quite a unique course really because we have got a high course when the Severn floods. That's one of the main things. We opened the course in the summer of 1995. We planted around 7,000 trees on the course at that time."

Colenso knows the course inside out and he holds the current record -- a three under par 67.

Although not playing as much as he used to, the Lincolnshire-born stalwart has enjoyed a successful career. He won the Worcestershire Senior Championships on four occasions and has been runner-up in the Worcestershire Professional Championships.

"I have taught a lot of people to play golf over the years," he said.

"I like it here, otherwise I would not be here or staying on for the trees.

"I like being the pro and I have enjoyed it here."