Shropshire golf course The Astbury has unveiled Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk as its latest ambassador.
After naming Ryder Cup and Open Championship winner Darren Clarke as its male ambassador and touring professional earlier this year, the course – which is owned by former Judas Priest guitarist Ken “K.K.” Downing – will work in partnership with Sarah as they continue with plans to build a series of luxury golfing holiday homes at the 320-acre site.
As well as being the face of Sky Sports’ PGA European Tour coverage, Sarah is also a freelance journalist and runs Xclusive Golf, a company which delivers bespoke golfing experiences around the world.
“The development was a key reason for me to get involved,” Sarah said. “There are a million and one golf courses out there and real estate is becoming a big part of modern golf. The course alone is not enough anymore; it needs to be a destination. That is what makes The Astbury different. There is a five and ten year plan in place for the developments and it’s exciting to be involved from the start.
“One of my favourite things about The Astbury is that it is very inclusive. There’s no dress code and juniors and women are welcomed. It’s a high-end course with top notch facilities but there is no pretentiousness.”
After a recurring shoulder injury put paid to a promising tennis career, Sarah took up golf and demonstrated her natural sporting talents which now sees her play off a handicap of seven. Yet it was her talent away from the course which caught the eye of Downing and the team at The Astbury.
Downing said: “Sarah is extremely well-connected in the golfing world and her experience will help us as we enter a crucial period for the course and its plans. We want to transform The Astbury in to an all-in-one destination for golfing fans and having worked alongside the best golfers in the world Sarah’s thoughts will be crucial to us.
“We already have Darren Clarke on board, but Sarah will complement him well. Darren has the know-how of what it is like to be out on the course, whilst Sarah can help us develop our site once the golfing spikes have come off.”
The Astbury www.theastbury.co.uk