MEMBERS of Grims Dyke Golf Club have got back into the swing of things after a hole destroyed by 20 stray horses was finally restored.

The 17th green at the prestigious course in Oxhey Lane, Hatch End, was churned up so badly in February last year, it was left in need of months of repair.

Now, after nearly £40,000 worth of work the hole was reopened in its entirety on Saturday.

The hole, which had originally been a par four, was left in tatters after the horses escaped from a nearby farm and ran amok on the green.

As a result, the hole was shortened to a par three to keep the course open whilst work began on repairs.

Members, who can expect to pay up to £65 for a round of golf, are delighted to have the course back to normal and club secretary, Ron Jones, said: "After the horses got onto the green it was totally destroyed.

"It has taken some time to reopen the hole as it was, but we are absolutely delighted that everything has been sorted out.

"No one really knows how the horses escaped but it is believed Police were forced to usher them on to the course because keeping them on the street would probably have caused more damage.

"Fortunately, we were insured for about £25,000 but of course we have had to fund the rest of the repairs.

"To be honest, everyone is just glad the whole thing has ended."

Whilst work was being carried out on the green, Harrow Council helped by completing a flood relief ditch around the course, and planted a number of plants and trees.

The 17th hole was officially reopened on Sunday by the Mayor John Nickolay.