THREE generations of Port golfers are making their mark on their local club and helping with a drive to encourage more families to take up the sport.

Tommy Rodger, 71, has been a member of Port Glasgow Golf Club for 30 years.

He has held several positions in the committee and was club captain in 2007.

Tommy is delighted that his son Nicky, 45, and grandson Stefan, 20, have followed in his footsteps.

He said: "Nicky is the current club captain.

"Stefan joined in 2012 and is now on the committee and could possibly be a future club captain."

Tommy says this reflects the fact that the club, founded in 1895, is family-friendly and now he would like to see more youngsters join it.

He said: "If parents are members, then their children can join as junior members for free.

"It's a great opportunity to get youngsters away from their tablets and phones and out into the fresh air.

"It also gives dads and their sons a chance to bond and spend quality time together.

"Nicky is trying to increase the number of junior members and Robert Ingram, our junior convener, works with them and is a great asset to the club.

"These guys are the next generation and hopefully like my son they will go on to be lifetime members.

"We're building the club from the bottom up."

Tommy says that golf is not as expensive as it used to be and there are discounts, benefits and spare clubs available to youngsters to get them started until they can afford to buy a set of their own.

Tommy said: "The club is very family orientated. The main clubhouse is used for lots of family celebrations and we had a Christmas party in December for younger children with Santa and presents.

* For more information about joining Port Glasgow Golf Club call 704181 or visit www.portglasgowgolfclub.com