A DRIVE to get more Inverclyde youngsters playing golf has been teed up by one of the area's leading junior sections.

The doors of Gourock Golf Club will swing open next weekend for current members, new recruits and budding golfers to join in some fun and games and learn all they need to know about the sport.

The club, which annually pitches in with 100 youngsters in its junior section, is hosting a 'bring a friend day' so that current young players can invite a pal along.

At the event on Sunday 20 May, juniors new and existing, as well as any boy or girl interested in joining the club, can pop along to enjoy free expert coaching, putting competitions, a clubhouse tour and food and drink, as well as the chance to win top prizes.

It all comes on the back of a hugely successful season for the Gourock junior players, who claimed a number of prizes and championships last year.

Ged Turley, a former captain of the club and championship winning player, currently spearheads the junior section along with another title-winning member Ian Minton.

Ged said: "Last year we had about 117 juniors and won both our leagues for the first time since me and Ian played in the juniors in the 70s.

"Last year we came back to the clubhouse with so much silverware it was unbelievable.

"But we have to keep at it and continue introducing more young people to the club.

"We've had great success but we're not resting on our laurels." Gourock is recognised by the Scottish Golf Union - the country's governing body for amateur golf - for its dedication to developing new talent.

Now as an incentive for more youngsters to join the club, each new member will receive �10 to spend at its pro shop.

A new member and an existing member who introduced their friend to the club will also bag a �50 voucher each to spend as they wish in the club shop.

l For more information contact the club secretary, Maggie Paterson, on 631001 or email secretary@gourockgolfclub.com