NEW golf club, Eccleston Park, has attracted another recruit in the shape of new Head Professional Richard Stockdale. The 32-year old comes to Eccleston Park from Formby Golf Club to manage the golf, retail and teaching operation at the Rainhill course.

Stockdale has an unusual background. Having started playing golf at the age of 12 he developed into a one handicap player at Knutsford Golf Club, but didn't turn pro until he was 28, preferring instead to race 600cc motorcycles. He combined his passion for racing with a successful motorcycle retail business but turned back to golf in 1995 to become assistant to Gary Butler at Romiley Golf Club, Stockport.

Richard followed Gary Butler to Formby before taking on the challenge of his first head professional's position at Eccleston Park, one of eight UK clubs owned or managed by Golf Club Holdings plc.

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