KILNWICK Percy Golf Club members can expect improvements to the course, clubhouse, coaching and competitions under new owners Paul Dixon, Simon Dixon and Sal Ciullo.

The former Dixon Motors board directors recently bought the club from the Huxtable farming family, who opened the course ten years ago, and are already devising a strategy to enhance the popular and picturesque 18-hole track.

Their aim is to make Kilnwick Percy one of the most exclusive clubs in Yorkshire and joint owner Ciullo said: "We think the Huxtables have done a great job over the last ten years but we feel we can take the club to a different level.

"It's a nice course now but we think the location deserves a really, really, first-class, quality club and that's what we hope to provide.

"I played the course for the first time with my son recently and we enjoyed it. It is well laid out barring the odd hole that needs looking at.

"There are some very interesting holes but the course needs some development as I'm sure most members would agree. The drainage needs looking at and the irrigation needs improving.

"Some general planting also needs to be done and the bunkers need some attention. The tees are fine but the course could again be improved if some were elevated.

"A new clubhouse has also been in the melting pot for quite a few years. It's been an on-and-off saga but it's one area we intend to resolve hopefully within the next year."

Among the changes already implemented at the Pocklington club are newly-appointed general manager Jon Dixon and director of golf Aaron Pheasant.

Having worked for five years with former European Tour pro David Jagger at Hull Golf Club and recently working at Spaldington GC, Pheasant is bursting with new ideas and initiatives.

Ciullo said: "We have got a lot of plans to enhance the membership value and Aaron is very keen on tuition and will be putting a lot of energy into that side of things. He feels the juniors could also be developed and wants to review the competitions that are currently being played and make them a bit more interesting.

"We are looking at devising a strategy to enhance all aspects of the club and course and also want to consult the members in that process."

All three new owners are keen and competent golfers with Paul a single-handicapper.

They are now hoping to bring the same drive for success they enjoyed together in the motor industry to Kilnwick Percy.

Ciullo said: "The first time we saw the course we fell in love with the beautiful scenery and location. The views are superb, it's a nice walk and all you can hear is birds.

"We firmly believe that leisure is very much a growth area and that more people are looking to spend more time and energy on their past-times. To be successful in cars you need to be efficient and it's a people business, which is no different to a golf club in that respect."

Kilnwick Percy's new owners also have plans to cap membership numbers so golfers interested in joining a club promising exciting times ahead should not delay.

Updated: 11:09 Saturday, June 25, 2005