GREENOCK Golf Club is breaking new ground by hosting the Footgolf Scottish Open event next month.

It is the first time a major footgolf event has been hosted in Inverclyde.

More than 100 competitors are expected to take part from all across the UK and Ireland.

Andy Gunn, a member of the executive committee at the club, said: "Footgolf is a relatively new sport and growing very fast in Scotland.

"It has a very professional association, and this year as part of their Scottish tour they approached us to ask if we would host their flagship event.

"They anticipate in excess of a hundred players from all four home nations and, dependent on the travel restrictions come August, perhaps some of the top international players."

Greenock already has a footgolf champion in Michael Eardley.

Michael, 34, is ranked number four in Scotland and is in the top 20 competitors in Britain after just one season playing the increasingly popular game, which combines football and golf.

The sport involves kicking a ball around the course into adapted holes.

The club has had to take steps to ensure the tournament will take place in full compliance with the up to date Scottish Government Covid-19 advice and guidance.

The event will be held on the weekend of August 22 and 23, following an an evening practice on Friday August 21.

On Saturday there will be an international match between Scotland, Ireland and England and on Sunday the 36-hole Scottish Open.

Andy, pictured along with Michael, said: "This is a very important event for the club.

"It is important that we try to modernise and diversify and to attract as many members as we can and move with the times.

"The event will help us to judge the interest in the sport.

"We have a nine-hole and an 18-hole course, and if there is interest, we could possibly leave a footgolf set-up on our nine-hole course going forward."

Andy is also hopeful that GGC will be able to grow from other avenues.

He says the club has noticed more interest in golf from younger people who would normally play football but due to lockdown restrictions have been unable to.

Andy said: "We have an increase in the number of members aged between 18 and 25, whose main sport was either football or rugby.

"We are keen to offer a membership experience that includes participation for all and maximises the use of our facilities."