The owners of a Norfolk championship golf course have decided to stay put despite a national leisure group offering to buy them out.Ray and Kate Barlow had initially considering selling Norfolk Golf and Country Club, in Hingham Road, Reymerston, when they were approached by the chain last July.

THE owners of a Norfolk championship golf course have decided to stay put despite a national leisure group offering to buy them out.

Ray and Kate Barlow had initially considering selling Norfolk Golf and Country Club, in Hingham Road, Reymerston, when they were approached by the chain last July.

But this week the couple, who have been involved in the club for the past seven years, announced that they have decided to stay at the

club.

Mrs Barlow said they had considered selling because they wanted to have a rest, but changed their mind after taking a well-earned holiday.

"We decided that we loved being here, that we had a really lovely golf club and lovely members," she said.

"The club is special and we want to take golf into the 21st century here.

"The club has been a massive part of our lives for more than seven years and

we are as committed now as ever and a bit more experienced."

The club's ladies captain

Liz Dann said: "The club

has a wonderful friendly atmosphere thanks to Ray, Kate and their staff. We are pleased they are staying."

For more details of

the club, which has a membership of nearly 1,000, visit www.thenorfolkgolfclub. co.uk