KEIGHLEY Golf Club will have a very different feel about it going forward, as hugely-popular professional Andy Rhodes left the building this month after 28 years.

Joining the club way back in 1996, Rhodes was initially a PGA trainee, but has been the head honcho since 2004.

A fine player in his own right, Rhodes won the Lombard Trophy at Fulford in 2016, while he has also managed two National Pro-Am top-10 finishes in the previous three years.

A huge surprise party was held in Rhodes’ honour earlier this month, where among a host of presents, he received honorary membership at Keighley Golf Club.

Posting on Facebook at the start of the month, Rhodes said: “After 28 1/2 years, as firstly a PGA trainee and then Head PGA Professional, I am entering the final week of my time at Keighley Golf Club.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone that has helped me along the way and who I have had the privilege of working with over the years.

“To the thousands of members, visitors, guests, pupils, colleagues I have worked with and helped, I thank you for your support over the years and I look forward to catching up in the future as I embark on a new journey.

“I have spent more than half my life working at the club and have enjoyed and developed some incredible friendships with some truly wonderful people throughout my time.”

Rhodes has not gone too far for his latest venture, and is sure to remain in touch with everyone at Keighley Golf Club.

He has become the PGA Professional at Express Golf in Bradford, where he will also be working as part of their on-site retail team.