Richard Ballard looking to take Sherdons Golf Centre to new levels
- By Mike Stafford
- Mar 25, 2015
- 2 min read
A Gloucestershire golf club is being handed from one Richard to another.
Richard Chatham (pictured left), set up Sherdons Golf Centre in Tredington with his brother David in 1992.
But now he is happy to hand over the mantle to Richard Ballard, a professional golf tutor.
"I'm hoping to retire," said Mr Chatham. "I've got a two-year consultancy with him that will take me up to 70.
"I'm working with him and supporting him in every way.
"We've done well with a chap who's a well respected and highly renowned golf professional.
"It's taking Sherdons to the next level," he said.
Mr Chatham, who lives in Tredington and is chairman of Stoke Orchard and Tredington Parish Council, added: "There are, of course, mixed emotions. My brother and I have put our heart and soul into it.
"It's a legacy and we're very proud of what we built."
Mr Ballard, 41, hopes his expertise and business drive will help the centre hit a hole in one.
"It's exciting," he said.
"I know I've got a lot of work to do but the centre has so much potential so I'm extremely confident I can take it to the next level."
In his time as a golf coach, Mr Ballard has taught elite players including Jamie Dick who is in the England squad.
He is hoping to expand the teaching services available at the centre and install a new shop and fitting studio.
"There will be a state of the art ball tracking device and a short game golf facility so people can work on chipping and pitching," he said.
Mr Ballard's love of golf began at just 15 and now he's teaching his two young sons Stanely, 10, and Ted, 8, to play.
"I don't know whether they realise that I actually own the golf centre but they think it's kind of cool," he said.
"My wife Donna has also been extremely supportive."
Mr Ballard is also grateful to his accountant Lin Andrew.
The centre currently has 260 members but Mr Ballard is hoping to expand upon that.
Visit the website for Sherdons Golf Centre here http://www.sherdons.co.uk/
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