Ilkley Golf Club, the third oldest in Yorkshire, have completed a £300,000 investment programme to improve the clubhouse and on-course facilities.

Two impressive bridges, which link the mainland to an island featuring the second green, third hole and fourth tee, have been installed at a cost of £180,000.

They replace the original narrow bridges, which enabled golfers to cross the River Wharfe when the course was built more than 100 years ago.

With the old bridges requiring essential maintenance, the decision was taken to replace them with much wider and more substantial bridges to accommodate golf buggies and greenkeepers’ machinery.

A total of £80,000 has also been spent on installing a suite of new power showers and modern toilets in the men’s locker room.

The area has been given a complete overhaul to provide members and visitors with state-of-the-art facilities to reflect the status of the club within Yorkshire.

The remaining £45,000 has been spent on constructing a new pitched roof to part of the clubhouse.

Further investments are being planned to upgrade the ladies’ facilities and the terrace lounge.