A TOP golf equipment brand founded in the town more than 30 years ago has returned to its roots after opening its flagship store in Latchford.

Brothers Robert and Howard Bilton opened the first American Golf shop on Manchester Road in Woolston 36 years ago in 1981.

American Golf is now Europe's largest golf retailer, with 121 stores across the UK and Ireland.

But the chain has not had a store in the town since its branch at DriveTime on Slutchers Lane closed with the driving range set to be demolished to make way for the new Centre Link bridge.

Now it has returned to its roots by opening a new £250,000 flagship store on Knutsford Road.

Chief executive Barry Leach said: "Warrington is our hometown, so we are really proud to be able to open a store here that showcases the very best products, technology and services available on the golf market today.

"This is a homecoming for us and we can't wait to show people how far we have come since the business opened its doors nearly 40 years ago."

Boasting a 'game improvement zone' and state-of-the-art club fitting technology, the store has brought eight new jobs to the town.

American Golf co-founder Robert added: "When we started American Golf all those years ago we never imagined that it would grow to be the size or shape that it is now.

"The Warrington store is so much more than just a shop.

"We're really proud to see how far it has come and of the part we played in putting Warrington on the map."

The Deputy Mayor of Warrington Cllr Karen Mundry opened the flagship store alongside Warrington Wolves legend Lee Briers and mascot Wolfie on Friday, November 17.

Matt Bacon, marketing and events manager based at American Golf's offices on Europa Boulevard, first joined the business 27 years ago aged 15.

He said: "I was a 15-year-old golfer who loved the sport so having customers coming in every day and talking about something that I'm passionate about was a dream come true.

"The industry has changed so much since then and I've worked all over the country for American Golf.

"Over the years I've worked in retail operations, loss prevention, marketing, events, HR, training, warehousing and distribution - I've worked my way up from working in the stores to managing them.

"As a Warrington boy, it didn't feel right not having a store where it all started.

"North west golfers are really knowledgeable and passionate about the game, so I can't wait to invite them to the new store."