FREE golf has been teed up at an Inverclyde course this weekend to celebrate The Open championship.

Port Glasgow Golf Club is taking part in the HSBC Hour on Sunday as part of a drive to encourage more juniors to try their hand at the sport.

It coincides with the 146th Open, which started yesterday at Royal Birkdale, Merseyside, and is sponsored by the banking giants.

The local club has invested heavily in its youth section in recent times to try and bolster the ranks but the committee have yet to see the sort of rise in numbers they were expecting.

They hope the HSBC Hour on Sunday will encourage youngsters to sign up.

Robert Ingram, the Port’s junior convener, said: “People say it’s too costly to play golf but it’s not.

“An event like this means juniors can try it for free and we’ve also got clubs and equipment here for them to use.

“We’ve removed barriers here to allow juniors to play golf.

“We’re trying everything.”

Junior member Callum McLaughlin, 13, who is from the Port, is taking part in the event for the second year in a row and says it’s a great way for boys and girls to try golf and see what the club has to offer.
He said: “The facilities here are really good for the size of the club and the lack of junior members.
“I hope this event will encourage more juniors to come along.”
Sunday’s event, which is also backed by The Golf Foundation and ClubGolf Scotland, is on from 11am to 2pm.
The Port club is also running free junior taster sessions throughout the school summer holidays as well as various promotions for adults.

Robert, who is also on the club’s committee, said: “We’re trying everything in our power to promote the club and its facilities.

“There are different deals available for all membership categories, including free golf for ladies and reduced priced golf days during the week.”

For more information or to arrange a visit call the club on 704181 or email secretary_pggc@btconnect.com or ringram_jwc@yahoo.co.uk