KILLING two birdies with one blow could be the motto applied to Pike Hills Golf Club's latest improvement.

The club, seen by many as one of York's little gems, has just opened a new driving range for its 700-plus members at the course, which also incorporates Askham Bog, a prized wildlife and nature reserve.

And not only has it increased the facilities at the ever-improving course near Copmanthorpe, it has also helped to banish a former hazard.

Club captain John Haigh, who officially opened the new range, explained that the previous practice area was sometimes dangerous when players went to retrieve the balls they had hit.

He said: "As the popularity of the game increased the use of the old practice facility had become more dangerous for members recovering their golf balls. The new range is expected to make practice less dangerous and much more convenient."

The new range is part of the continuous programme of improvements implemented by Pike Hills' head green-keeper Robin Oxendale and his staff, while the push for the range has largely been driven by Dave Milson of the club's greens committee.

The club's newest addition, which will be managed by club professional Ian Gradwell, will also provide a boon for the growing number of junior members at Pike Hills.

The junior section will have free access to the range during the junior coaching sessions held each Saturday afternoon, a move which has been lauded by Haigh.

Added the captain: "Development of our younger players is seen as part of the club's long-term commitment to junior golf.

"And the rewards of this policy are self-evident with a number of Pike Hills' players being recognised in York and Yorkshire circles."

Meanwhile, there was a distinct football tinge to the outcome of the GNER Centenary Cup.

The winner was James Bonarius on count-back with a net score of 63 matched by Joe Neenan, Neil Chauda and Bruce Wakeman.

The 26-year-old Bonarius, a member at Pike Hills for just two years, was a prominent player with the York Railway Institute FC team, while Neenan numbered both York City and Scarborough among a clutch of Football League clubs he served as a goalkeeper.

The competition was the first anniversary of the Centenary Cup presented by GNER last year to mark Pike Hills' century.

Updated: 12:01 Saturday, July 30, 2005