PLANS are well advanced to open yet another golf course in the York area.

Work on Griffon Forest Golf and Country Club, near Flaxton, just off the A64 York to Scarborough road is due to start in March with a projected opening date of 2005.

The 18-hole 6,800 yard course, featuring five lakes will also have a 20-bay driving range and an academy area of two or three holes for use by the club's teaching professional.

Architect for the project, which is expected to receive final planning permission from Ryedale Council shortly, is Bryan Moor, well-known in North Yorkshire as a former professional with York Cricket Club and ex-Yorkshire hockey captain.

When the club opens it will become the ninth to be built in York and district in the last 15 years, the others being Allerthorpe Park, Boothferry, Cocksford, Forest of Galtres, Forest Park, Kilnwick Percy, Scarthingwell and Swallow Hall. In addition, Aldwark Manor has been increased from nine to 18 holes.

The annual York Against Cancer Golf Day is to be held at York Golf Club, Strensall on Thursday, June 19 when entries will be accepted from men's, women's or mixed teams playing in a stableford competition at an unchanged cost of £180 per team.

This will include a two-course meal, refreshments at a halfway house and prizes. Full details and entry forms from organisers Ralph Magee and Alf Wiseman at York Against Cancer, 31-33 North Moor Road, Huntington, York Y032 9QN. Prizewinners will be required to produce handicap certificates.

Calling all golfers who have had new hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles or fingers. The annual regional Wishbone Trust golf tournament is to be held at Moor Allerton, Leeds on Friday, June 13 with the winning four-person team going on to the final at Woburn Golf and Country Club on October 10.

Profits from the tournament will go towards orthopaedic surgery research. Details: Zara Boyd, 2nd Floor, River House, 143-145 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3WT (tel 0207 239 9100, fax 0207 239 9150).

Updated: 12:13 Saturday, January 18, 2003