A GOLF club in Hullbridge is hoping to make some of its holes more challenging.

Lords Golf and Country Club in Hullbridge Road has asked Rochford District Council for permission to reshape part of the course.

Leij Palmer, spokesman, said the improvements were designed to stop balls crossing over on to wrong parts of the course and to make some of the holes more difficult. He said: "With advances in driving technology we are driving longer the holes are becoming shorter. The redesign will stop balls from crossing into the path of other balls. On one hand the redesign is for safety.

"But on the flip side we will be making some of the holes longer. The longer the course, the more difficult it is to play."

Mr Palmer added that the work would increase the biodiversity of the site, introducing more wildlife and lakes for irrigation.

It is estimated that a third of the holes would be affected during the three-year project.

The club has recently undergone a £2million revamp which has seen major improvements to its function room facilities. It was taken over by Churchgate in 2006.