£250k overhaul has been completed at Gourock Golf Club

The clubhouse locker rooms have been transformed, toilets and changing facilities have been revamped, the downstairs hallway has been smartened up and the upstairs area lounge and function rooms have been redecorated.

A lift has also been installed to improve access.

The committee at the Cowal View course decided it was time to invest in the facility and were supported through loans from members and an Inverclyde Council grant.

Project manager and former club captain Ian Macnaughton said: "This is for the members and the community - we want to welcome local people into the club when it is safe to do so.

"Previously we were overlooked for some functions due to not having lift access.

Gourock Golf Club refurbishment..

"By installing the lift we hope that we are more welcoming and accessible for those looking for somewhere to hold events."

The work was carried out by local firm W H Kirkwood Ltd after plans were drawn up by local architect Graeme Quigley.

Inverclyde Council provided £21,000 for the lift installation, however general manager Allan Warwick is keen to thank the kind members whose pledges made the project possible.

He told the Tele: "This project has been in the pipeline since December 2019, but was delayed due to Covid-19.

"We were fortunate enough to receive interest-free loans from kind members which allowed us to complete the work.

"In a way lockdown was almost a silver lining as with work being carried out, we wouldn't have been able to have people in the clubhouse anyway.

"The new space will be a perfect backdrop for our anniversary celebrations when we are permitted to have them."

Gourock Golf Club refurbishment..

Captain Neil Beaton and vice-captain Norma Ramsay say they can't wait to show off the new look.

Norma said: "I used to be quite embarrassed to bring people into the toilets and changing facilities, they were stuck in the 70s.

"Now the toilets are modern and fresh - I'm already looking forward to seeing people at their Christmas nights out making use of the big mirror for their photographs!"

Neil added: "We'll be really proud now to bring people to the club, it's a big milestone for us and we're delighted with how it has turned out."

Gourock Golf Club refurbishment..

Stephen Mackie, clubhouse manager, added: "We have already had people looking to book christenings and weddings, which is excellent.

"It is frustrating having such an amazing facility ready to go and not being able to have anyone in, but we hope as soon as things return to normality we'll be able to welcome people to functions once again."