MARKET Rasen has recently added a new four-hole pitch and putt practice area.
The course, which dates back to 1912 and has been on its current site since 1922, has also opened new practice bunkers and upgraded the pathways to all-weather surfaces.
Rasen is a heathland course built on free-draining sandy soil and because of the nature of the soil it is rarely closed.
Starting originally as a nine-hole course it was, over a period of time, extended to 18 holes by 1973.
In June, 2001 the original 15th, 16th and 17th holes were acquired by the Environment Agency as part of the development of a flood relief scheme for Market Rasen.
Three replacement holes, each with individual character, were made on land adjacent to the golf course and par for the course increased from 70 to 71.
Further improvements were carried out during 2002 when the fourth and ninth greens were redesigned to USGA standards and brought into play in 2003.
The course now consists of a fine and varied selection of holes, each providing its own features and challenges.
Water is a card-wrecking feature on a number of holes. It appears on the eighth, where the stream runs along the right-hand side for the full length of the fairway, the 10th, where the stream has to be crossed twice, first with the tee shot and again with the approach shot to the green, and the 13th.
The 13th hole (389-yard par four, stroke index one) has the reputation of being the hardest on the course. With a wetland on the left, out of bounds on the right and a strategically placed bunker, an accurate tee shot is essential.
From then on decisions have to be made, to lay up, or to go for the green with your second shot. The green is fronted by a stream some six metres wide from bank to bank and two pot bunkers wait to catch any underhit shot. The green is backed by a row of trees waiting to collect any over-hit shots.
Rasen is a firm favourite with societies who regularly return to accept the challenge the course offers in the form of its tree-lined fairways, heather and a variety of water hazards.
It is not a long course, but accuracy is essential to avoid trouble, and thoughtful planning for position can save many a dropped shot.
The clubhouse facilities are excellent and high quality refreshments are available.

TELEPHONE: 01673 842319.
ESTABLISHED: 1912.
MEMBERSHIP: 550 playing.
PROFESSIONAL: AM (Tony) Chester.
SECRETARY: John P Smith.
LOCATION: One mile east of Market Rasen off A631. Legsby Road, LN8 3DZ
TYPE OF COURSE: Heathland.
YARDAGES: White 6,239, yellow 6,050, red 5,486.
PAR: 71 (ladies 72).
GREEN FEES: Weekday  £25 a round, £35 a day. Weekend only as a guest of a member.
PRO RECORD: Andrew Hare (65).
AMATEUR RECORD: Les Brumpton, Roy Knowles, John Cann, Matthew Harrison, Roger Codd 69.
LADIES CHAMPION: Gill Porter
MEN’S CHAMPION: Graham Taylor.