Martin Smith is thrilled that Hartley Wintney will sign off their 125th anniversary celebrations by hosting the Be Wiser Insurance PGA in Hants Masters Championship tomorrow.

Smith, the PGA Head Professional with 26 years service at Justin Rose’s childhood club, said: “It is a big bonus for us.”

He has overseen many changes during his stewardship, not least of all the conversion of the course from nine holes to 18 in 2000.

Smith believes it presents a stiff but fair test for some of Hampshire’s finest professionals who will contest this county major.

However he warned: “It is a tale of two nines. You need to set your score on the front nine as there are some seriously difficult holes on the way back.”

Hartley Wintney now boasts 650 members and interest is growing following Rose’s triumph at the Olympics when he won gold for Team GB.

Rose grew up in the area and attended Robert May’s School in nearby Odiham. Smith said: “He was a junior member here for a short time, less than a year. We are proud to have this connection with him.”

Smith added: “There is definitely a feelgood factor around the game following Justin’s victory. I sense quite a lot of nongolfers are taking an interest in the sport.”