Bognor has been closed more often than open for play due to the weather over the last four months.

Everything has suffered but a new teaching facility means lessons can be given indoors. But head pro Steve Bassil and assistant Christian Fogden no longer have to break the bad news to members that the weather has intervened in a coaching programme.

Pupils need only walk through the shop into the teaching room where high-tec equipment is ready for use, even though it may be raining cats and dogs or snowing a blizzard outside.

A video camera and swing analyser is on hand and the latter can be used for club fitting purposes.

Bassil said: "At least we can teach in the dry. The club has funded the building work and I'm sure members and visitors will be very pleased with what is now on offer."

Starting today, there is a three-day sale with members getting first pick and the public welcome tomorrow and Sunday afternoons.

ROBYNN'S NEW NEST Robynn Blanshard joins Chichester as a shop manager this month after a spell as pro at Wickham Park, Fareham.

Robynn and husband Simon ran Hill Barn together before she went to Wickham Park. They continued to live in Chichester and the new arrangement will suit even better as the job is on Robynn's doorstep.

Seven years ago Robynn started in pro golf as a trainee at Bognor.

BATTLE SEEK NEW FACE Sean Creasey has left Battle to play on the EuroPro Tour.

Kevin Lyons, the course owner, is looking for a new face before Easter when, after so much bad weather, he hopes business will pick up.

Lyons said: "Being a small operation we don't have big staff bills and that is one consolation."

He started Battle two years ago on land where he used to graze sheep. A cosy little club playing nine scenic holes, it has a membership approaching 150 and is popular in summer with green fee visitors.

ROTA SYSTEM Carl Rota, formerly on the pro staff at Chichester, has returned from teaching in Denmark and is seeking to get fixed-up again in Sussex.