JACK RODWELL has provided a ringing endorsement of the True Fit golf course at Fiddlers Ferry.

The Everton and England Under-21 midfielder was guest of honour at the official opening of the 18-hole course and driving range in Cuerdley, signalling the completion of seven painstaking years of planning and construction.

The first nine holes of the par 70 course opened three years ago, but severe weather conditions and contractor issues delayed completion of the 120-acre site until last month.

With the finishing touches now applied to the 6,491-yard designed course, Rodwell was only too happy to oblige an invitation to cut the ribbon.

“I’m impressed with the facilities here, they’re brilliant,” said Rodwell, who was linked up to a Max Out system to gauge his swing and dimensions.

“I teed off from the first and it went all right. It’s a nice course.

“True Fit have offered to custom make my clubs so hopefully that will improve my game a lot. It needs it!

“I hope to come back and get a few games here.

“Hopefully during pre-season some time. It would be good to get a few more games of golf under my belt.”

The Fiddlers Ferry course represents the realisation of the dream of owners Mark and Elaine Overton.

With a hefty £1.5million investment in the project it is no surprise when Director of Golf, Darren Chapman, explains that a few tears have been shed along the way.

“Between the wet summers and then snow in January, plus the dry spell we’ve had recently, the elements have often been against us,” said Chapman.

“There have been highs and lows, plus tears from the owners at times. It’s been a battle but we’ve got there in the end. We must have spent in excess of £1.5million to construct the course. We’ve got 18 USGA greens, 18 USGA tees, all the machinery costs, irrigation. It’s a big project.”