A LITTLE over a decade ago Wharton Park Golf Club was nothing more than a series of potato fields among scattered woodland on the picturesque outskirts of Bewdley.

Fast forward to 2002 and as the club prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary the course has become one of the most challenging tests of golf in the Midlands.

Even if your golf is out of sorts there are still stunning views to enjoy while you shank or slice your way round its undulating hills.

The course has changed considerably since its early days, particularly in the last four years with the lengthening of hole number two, construction of a new tee on the seventh and the transformation of the 18th from a par five to par four.

In addition to the course changes there have been changes to the clubhouse with a new spike bar (19th hole) and the creation of new pro shop and members' lounge.

Angus Hoare has been the club's professional since it opened in 1992 and overseen its journey from agricultural land to prime golf course.

"I've seen it rise and fall, including the unfortunate period in receivership, but now it is more prosperous with the current directors who have invested a lot of money on top of what the original owners did," he said.

"The course has changed dramatically in terms of the lay out and probably saved half-an-hour on a round and anybody who has not played here for five or six years will be so surprised at the changes.

"It's an undiscovered course and lots of people who live in Bewdley don't even know its here but it is a good test of golf.

"It is difficult for the average golfer but if anybody wants a challenge this is the place to come."

If there is one hole that sticks out it is the magnificent par three 15th with its high tee and island green surrounded by woodland making it one of the best holes in the Midlands.

Wharton Park has also established a reputation for coaching youngsters and Hoare has been at the forefront of this, setting up the club as a Golf Foundation Starter Centre.

As part of this scheme he has taught tri-golf in several middle and high schools throughout Wyre Forest in a bid to generate interest in the sport among youngsters.

"The junior side of things has gone mad and is really flourishing," said Hoare." "Equipment is cheaper than ever before and anyone can play the game from a four-year-old upwards.

"The facilities are there for youngsters to play and whereas in the old days if a child wanted a golf club they would have a cut down seven iron, now a four-year-old can have a club almost customised for him now.

"It's been great to see this development and I've got a database of 140 children now from the age of four to 18 that have been introduced to the game."