A QUALIFYING event for the European Tour will go ahead at Chart Hills Golf Club next week, despite a fire which destroyed two-thirds of the clubhouse.

The complex was badly damaged in the blaze on Wednesday night, but club officials have been working round the clock to ensure the event can still take place.

Fortunately the golf course itself was not affected, but the club has had to bring in temporary facilities to stage the three-day golfing event, which begins on Tuesday.

A mini-village is being erected at the Biddenden club, with outside catering and temporary shower facilities in a marquee in the car park.

James Cornish, director of golf at Chart Hills, said: "Everyone was shocked to see the clubhouse in the state it was in after the fire, but everyone has been playing their part to get the place up and running as quickly as possible.

"Luckily the golf course is in pristine condition. It’s our main asset and is in great shape, so we’ve been working hard to get other facilities in place in order to host the European Tour qualifying event next week.

"The qualifying event definitely goes ahead."

Mr Cornish added: "It’s certainly been a challenge for us all but we have the course open now and we are working hard to get the professional’s shop up and running for when the tour school event has finished.

"Basically, we will be looking to come back stronger and better than ever."

The event is one of six qualifying rounds held around the country as hopeful professional golfers try to win a place on the European Tour.

Success at Chart Hills will be followed by a six-round final qualifying in San Roque, Spain, in November.