Birstall Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the county, has announced that Michael Reed has taken up his position as the new professional at the club.

Reed is a former county amateur champion. He won the Leicestershire and Rutland county centenary year title in 2010 at Hinckley Golf Club, when he played a second round of four-under-par 67 for a two under-140 aggregate.

Two years earlier, he had become the county amateur match play champion by claiming the Philip Wykes Bowl at Market Harborough Golf Club. He is a former assistant to his older brother Richard, the head professional at Glen Gorse Golf Club, who Michael said has been "very supportive" as he takes on these new challenges.

The brothers are both former leading amateur members at Birstall and Michael said he was proud to be given this opportunity to go back to the club as the new head pro.

He was not only a highly successful amateur, but he also did well as a professional when he joined the paid ranks. In his early years as a pro, he clinched the county PGA titles, including the stroke and match play crowns.

He also became the Midland Open champion, winning the prestigious regional title at Birstall in the 2017 season.

Michael succeeds David Clark, who has retired after being the club pro for 34 years.

"I remember meeting David Clark when I first joined Birstall as a young amateur, so it is a tremendous honour to be his successor as club professional,” said Michael Reed. “I am pleased to follow in his footsteps. But I know I shall be very busy for the first few months as there are big plans under way now for changes to the clubhouse, including the pro shop."

"Among the innovations over the coming months there will be a new junior academy when our bigger teaching area is introduced. We would also like to see more ladies at the club, both newcomers and more experienced golfers."

"I am looking forward to being in a position to give lessons whether it is for new members, or for existing members looking to improve their current expertise at the game and develop their full potential to boost their individual playing programmes. This could be if they enjoy medals or knock-out games."

"In a few months time, when I have settled in more, I will hope to appoint an assistant and look forward to competing this summer in more PGA events across the region - stroke play and pro/am tournaments. It will be good to be able to compete in the Leicestershire and Rutland Alliance with Birstall members too, when the fixtures restart later this month."