The official opening of the new-look Birch Grove golf course went as smoothly as Tiger Woods' swing.

The opening drive, on the new par 66 layout, was performed by the Essex Golf Union president John Day yesterday (Thursday).

Owner Lawrie Marston said: "It was a brilliant day, it couldn't have gone more smoothly."

The course had undergone major reconstruction with new holes, five new water features, and new bunkers.

The highlight is the new dog-leg 485 yard par five sixth, which also features a couple of water hazards and has been classed a category five hole by the EGU.

Par for the course - EGU president John Day opens the new-look Birch Grove golf course.

Picture: STEPHANIE MACKRILL

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