Just as Gorleston Golf Club’s competitions committee had urged competitors in the winter foursomes to get their matches arranged to avoid problems with inclement weather, along it came causing the closure of the course for the time being.

Hopefully it will have relented in time for the weekend playing of the December monthly medal.

Golf or not, the club has been the focal point for a number of reasons recently.

There has been a very encouraging response already to the trial membership offer presently being publicised. Sales of tickets for the New Year’s Eve ball have gone extremely well and the event is now completely sold out.

There was an excellent attendance at the annual trophy presentation evening in November where members were presented with their trophies won throughout the year.

n Gorleston Golf Club has announced a pilot scheme to give prospective new members the opportunity to experience the challenges of its course prior to making the decision whether to become full members.

The trial membership scheme will give players the opportunity to purchase a block green fee of �100 to play the course as many times as they choose between January 1 and March 31 2011. This compares favourably with the cost of a three-month membership at clubs in the area.

Club captain Howard Kellett, in announcing the initiative, said: “We are trying to give the opportunity for players to play our course before making their decision on whether to become full members.

“There are a number of people this could appeal to, and I am thinking of the new golfer looking for the benefits of club membership such as obtaining an official handicap and participating in competitive golf. Also there are those who have just moved to the area and possibly those at other clubs who are seeking a fresh challenge.

“We are mindful of the fact that, in making the decision on golf club membership, players consider their options carefully, which is why we have introduced this pilot scheme.

“Also it will be possible to purchase gift vouchers from the club which can be used towards the cost of membership and possibly solves for some people a Christmas gift of what to buy for family or friends.”

Full details can be obtained from the club office.