Top golfer opens hotel
Top golfer Sandy Lyle paid a visit to Whitchurch to officially open a hotel following a £13.5 million revamp. The sports star was at the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club yesterday to open the hotel's new facilities.
Mr Lyle held two golf clinics at the venue before attending a three-course dinner to mark the completion of the hotel's redevelopment. The 48-year-old, who has played in the Ryder Cup on five occasions, passed on his top tips to members of the hotel's golf club and corporate guests.
Mr Lyle, a former Hawkstone Park amateur, was one of victorious European captain Ian Woosnam's assistants at the Ryder Cup near Dublin contest last weekend.
Noel Mines, the hotel's general manager, said Lyle's visit was perfect timing following Europe's successful bid to retain the Ryder Cup.
The hotel's refurbishment and extension included new conference suites, a restaurant, sports bar and bedrooms, and created 70 full-time jobs and several part-time staff.
It was revealed last month that a £2 million leisure and health club is to be built at the complex creating 20 new jobs. An indoor 18-metre swimming pool, a sauna, steam room, spa pool and gym with four beauty treatment rooms are set to be created at the Tarporley Road site. It is expected to open in early 2007. The hotel is also hosting a charity ball tonight in aid of Whitchurch Community Hospital.
In Sport - Sandy to throw hat in for 2010
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