After seven lean years Sweetwoods Park is looking to the future although managing director Peter Strand has yet to move his enterprise into profit.

Many a farmer who turned his land into a golf course has lived to regret that decision.

Peter Strand is a notable exception in Sussex for the 18 holes he created amid an idyllic setting of chestnut trees on the High Weald at Cowden has been the target of several unsuccessful bids by international operators.

Since engaging Paul Lyons as head pro last February, Strand has embarked on an expansion programme and business is booming.

A decade ago he took an enormous risk with his 230 acres on the Sussex-Kent border when deciding to convert to golf.

Only 300 yards along the A264 East Grinstead-Tunbridge Wells road is long-established Holtye while Chartham Park, seven miles away, had an opening pencilled-in to take advantage of a large catchment area.

Strand decided to gamble on being put in touch with Michael Hewson, one of the biggest farmers in the UK. The partnership was ideal, Strand supplied the land and Hewson a substantial wedge of money. But would the market sustain such a venture?

It has taken all this time for the fledging club to stand the ups and downs of an unpredictable scenario that has seen some golfing outlets thrive and others struggle. Now Strand, 46, is planning to generate even more business for he is sitting on a prime location that must develop further function trade.

Strand said: "In 1990 when the stock market crashed, it was a case of looking round for something else apart from farming, clay pigeon shooting and paint balling. I thought about golf and an introduction to Neil Coles was effected.

"He said the site for a course was magnificent although his plans were far more grandiose than practical. He wanted a hotel on the main road which would never have received planning permission," said Strand.

So the farmer became a golf architect despite lacking any formal training. Sands said: "The biggest help was a very detailed knowledge of the land. As a farmer I was in very big debt. The way out was to build and run the course myself. I had been introduced to Michael Hewson and we went in 50-50.

"We believed the course would make some return on the investment, which it still doesn't do. But we are asked every year to sell and the answer every time is no and will continue to be so."

The current membership of 670 is down by 120 from 1997 when subs were raised by 20 per cent to £725 but that is not a worry as a new system aimed at newcomers to the game has boosted interest.

A year's golf for just a flat £99 on top of which is a reduced charge for green fees, and no joining levy, constitutes Elm membership that Standen says is an unqualified success.

Stand said: "We take more in green fees than in membership subs and 18 per cent is from Elm membership while society business is also very good.

"Elm membership appeals to the person who, being new to the game, doesn't want to spend £750 straight off.

"All are welcome here and I'm afraid the EGU convey an impression that the majority of golf clubs are difficult to get into. That may be the case with a minority but is not the general rule.

"Yes, there are clubs in trouble. The problem with a course is that when it struggles it doesn't close down. Even if the problem never goes away, do you ever hear of a course being shut"?

Lyons, a former Tour pro, twice Sussex Open champion and reigning Sussex Professional champion, is approaching the end of his first year at the club after quitting Paxhill Park.

He is totally dedicated to the job. The 34-year-old did not attempt to regain his Tour card this year.

He said: "I preferred to show commitment to the club, running the shop and teaching. I just want to be a good club pro and I'm really excited at what can further be achieved here. I've just gone on a computer course and we are setting up a junior academy next year plus all sorts of promotions."