BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker was on hand to relaunch Manchester’s Trafford Golf Centre.

The launch coincided with the seven-strong coaching team celebrating the The Trafford Golf Centre Academy’s most successful year to date where over 12 million balls were hit and they collectively delivered 15,000 golf lessons.

Despite a national decline in those taking up the sport, the 57-bay driving range has bucked the trend and now employs the most PGA teaching professionals in the north to meet demand.

Managed by PGA Professional and Director of Golf  Peter Styles, The Trafford Golf Centre Academy now has seven qualified PGA teaching professionals who last year coached 300 adults through the national Getting into Golf programme and taught  as many as 100 junior academy members on a weekly basis.

Peter said: “The academy side of our business is booming which is particularly encouraging since the popularity of the sport generally is on the wane at club level.

“We’re continuing to attract strong numbers on the junior side and among female beginners.

“I’m very proud we have the largest team of golf professionals in the north and the fact Dan was able to take time out to support us.”

The future is looking good for Trafford Golf Centre following a £500,000 investment from its owners Peel Land and Property, which has given it a facelift as well as the addition of a  licensed café bar serving Starbucks coffee under the ‘we proudly serve’ banner

Peter added: “By having the café bar it’s a major step towards us being able to promote corporate and team building activities as well as hosting more children’s parties and to help create a family friendly environment.

“The ultimate aim is to drive the business forward and to do this we now need to increase dwell time. This new facility will be crucial in helping us achieve that.”