A GOLF coach is getting into the swing of things in schools throughout Inverclyde as part of a drive to encourage more juniors to play the sport.

Andy Newman has started doing the rounds at primaries in Gourock, including working with P7s at Moorfoot, pictured, delivering a six-week course to boost interest in golf among a much younger audience.

The plan is for the programme to be rolled out at schools across the district for boys and girls in P4-7 to combat dwindling junior ranks at clubs throughout the country.

Gourock Golf Club is leading the initiative and it is being part-funded by the club and a grant from national agency Sportscotland.

Development officer Andy, whose son Scott Newman is one of the area's most promising young golfers, said: "The aim is to try and deliver the course to over 2,000 pupils in Inverclyde.

"So far, it's been going very well. "You never know how the children will react to it but they've taken to it more than I thought.

"Some of the pupils are already junior members at clubs but we hope this programme will drive more to clubs and the Gourock indoor studio, which allows people to continue playing during the winter months.

"This gives them a taste of golf and hopefully encourages them into academies, junior sections and eventually into handicap golf."

The six-week course involves a series of fun, indoor golf-based games, including rounders and 10-pin bowling.

At the end of the block, participants will be invited along to Gourock Golf Club's state-of-the-art indoor development studio to put their new-found skills to the test before progressing outdoors when weather conditions are more favourable.

Pupils in Moorfoot, St Ninian's and Gourock primaries are the first to benefit from the initiative.

It is hoped the programme can also be delivered in secondary schools in the near future.

Allan Warwick, Gourock Golf Club general manager, said: "This isn't just for Gourock Golf Club but for the whole area.

"We're trying to promote golf across the district."

To get into golf and for more information about the schools' programme and opportunities for men, women and juniors, visit www.gourockgolfclub.com, email secretary@gourockgolfclub.com or call 631001.