KNUTSFORD Mayor Cllr Tony Dean helped to open the American Golf Academy at High Legh Park Golf Club.

The academy is designed with the improving golfer in mind, and was opened by newly-signed Stoke City goalkeeper Shay Given in the presence of special guests, Cllr Dean and Mayoress Mrs Gill Dean OBE.

Shay Given said: “Having the best facilities, the right coaches and the latest technology will help anyone looking to improve their game, whatever the sport.

“The American Golf National Academy provides all those things in one place and gives golfers of all abilities a great chance to improve.

"Now I’m back in the north west I’ll certainly be looking to make the most of the facility and knock a few shots off my handicap!”

Cllr Dean said: “This investment into the area by American Golf will help grow the local economy, and as a sports-based facility will offer a health and well-being benefit for local people.

“The facilities here are very impressive, and we’re incredibly proud to have this new National Academy so near to Knutsford.”

The academy has nine and 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, coffee shop, a soon-to-be-opened children’s course and an American Golf Retail store.