ALICE SPRINGS has become the official golf club of Newport Gwent Dragons and has extended corporate memberships to the Dragons' players and team officials.

Last Friday coach Chris Anderson and eight members of his squad came directly from training to check out Alice Springs' two 36-hole courses near Usk.

Golf is popular among the Dragons and the players said they were looking forward to a competition at Alice Springs to establish who is king of the hill.

Mr Anderson said: "I'm a keen player myself and find it a great way to relax. I'm quite happy to see the players on the greens in between matches."

Alice Springs has been under new ownership since October 1 last year. It was acquired by Dave Rowlands, a Torfaen-based petrol station entrepreneur, and Chris Battin, a Maesycwmmer- born airline pilot who has spent much of the last 20 years in the Middle East.

The two men got together through a common interest in golf.

Mr Rowlands said: "The link-up with the Dragons is all about helping to raise the profile of our club and supporting the endeavours of one of Gwent's most successful teams."

Alice Springs is taking up advertising and sponsorship opportunities at Rodney Parade.

Alice Springs professional Stuart Steele said: "At my former club we had a successful link-up with Glamorgan County Cricket club and we're aiming to replicate that success here."

Considering the Dragons players are some of the fittest athletes in Wales it was surprising that their first questions concerned the availability of buggies and buggy trails around Alice Springs' two courses.

They were reassured to hear that all of the club's 198-acres are accessible to their four-wheeled friends.

The club was founded in the early 1980s by Keith Morgan and was later run by his son Peter. At times it has operated as two clubs with a second clubhouse near Betwys Newydd.

Although the Morgans have sold their interests, Keith will remain involved through a contract to maintain the grounds.

Since the change of ownership, a programme of works has included refurbishment of the clubhouse, 30 new buggies and various course improvements.

Mr Rowlands said: "The geology here means the courses drain very well and can be played all year.

"When we took over there were just 350 members but this has already risen to about 440."

Alice Springs takes its name from Keith Morgan's mother, Alice, and the fact that the courses' water features are fed by underground springs.