FAMILIES, history buffs and golf fanatics are in for a treat as a new adventure golf facility is about to tee off.
The 18-hole course is set to open at Charlton Lakeside next week during the school holidays.
The course, which cost £360,000, has an Iron Age theme in a nod to local history and the Andover Museum of Iron Age helped create the trail.
Dignitaries and people behind the scheme gathered on Tuesday, May 24 to see the course and mark the occasion ahead of its opening to the public.
One of those enjoying a round of golf was Councillor David Drew, portfolio holder for community and leisure at Test Valley Borough Council.
He said: "It is a brilliant new facility for Andover. I am delighted to be here ahead of its formal opening.
"It has been a great team effort and a lot of work has been poured into it. I am certain it will be popular.
"I also love the historic links to the Iron Age. I urge people to come down and try it out."
The new facility was approved following feedback from users, residents, and visitors to the lakeside.
Adventure golf specialist Greenspan, which is currently based in Eastleigh but is moving to a new site in Andover soon, carried out the works, which lasted for 16 weeks.
READ MORE: New adventure golf course at Andover’s Charlton Lakeside
Graham Marks, project lead for Greenspan, said: "We are very pleased with how it has turned out. It has come together really well."
The leisure facility, which also includes a playground, cafe and a lake, is managed by Places Leisure.
Carolyn D'Costa, finance director at Places Leisure, said: "What you see before you is the culmination of a true partnership between Places Leisure and Test Valley Borough Council.
"The course has been designed to blend with the natural beauty of the site, while celebrating the area's rich culture and history."
Phil North, leader of the council, was also enjoying the course.
He said: "Charlton Lakeside is one of Test Valley's much-loved green spaces - and I'm delighted that it will now be enhanced even further with this exciting new addition."
Children from Portway Infant School are set to visit the site later this week and give it a proper trial run.
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Ian Souch, general manager, encouraged people to come down and try it when it opens on Monday.
He said: "It will appeal to all ages."
Tickets are available from the pavilion, £7 adults, £4.50 children and concessions or a family ticket is £17.
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