LYDNEY Golf Club's new course is developing at such a pace that they could probably play on it now.

Club spokesman Colin Cherry said: "It already feels like a golf course when you walk on it.

"With temporary greens, it is virtually playable. It's exciting and frightening."

The club is still targeting a spring opening for its new development.

Initially, they feared they would be kicked out of their current Lakeside home in August – leaving them in limbo for around six months.

Developers MMC were due to begin a 133-house development on the Lakeside land at the end of the summer, after receiving a £5 million cash injection from the Homes and Community Agency.

Colin Cherry added: "Because of delays we've still got our nine holes.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to keep on playing until after Christmas."

The club is now raising funds to develop a two storey clubhouse on its new site, on the other side of the bypass at Naas Farm.

"We'd like changing rooms and toilets downstairs, with a function room and kitchen upstairs," said Mr Cherry.

"Realistically, we wouldn't get planning permission submitted before March/April. We'll use our old clubhouse until the new one is built."

Mr Cherry says the club's ultimate dream is to have its own 18-hole course with an on-site driving range. He added: "It's all a long way off but who knows, things have already happened so fast. We'll have nine holes with room for another three on the new course.

"There is also an option to buy land for the other six holes."