GOUROCK Golf Club officials are calling on local ladies to give the sport a swing.

The club's women in golf initiative is back from next month, aimed at getting more ladies and girls into the game.

The six-week run of sessions will give participants a grasp of golf and a chance to familiarise themselves with the game.

The programme has proven popular in the four years since it launched, with Lady Captain Liz Rankin estimating that around half of the club's playing women members.

She told the Tele that the club were keen particularly keen to introduce younger women to golf.

Liz said: "One of my aims as lady captain is to grow the women into golf programme and encourage more girls into the sport.

"It's not just something to enjoy alone - mothers and daughters could come up and play together and have that time with each other.

"Programmes like this open up opportunities to new groups of people.

"We have a competition at the end of the six weeks and we usually do something silly to make it good fun.

"The group who did it last year have stayed really close, they even came up here and had a party night at Christmas.

"It's a great way to try something new and also enjoy the social side of the sport and opens up a whole variety of experiences for women."

In addition to the 'come and try' sessions, the club is also holding drop-ins every Thursday from noon until 1pm to answer any questions ladies thinking about taking up the sport might have.

Past captain Morag Cowe said: "Coming along to try doesn't cost anything and the sessions kick off on March 9 and go through to the end of April.

"Our current members are very supportive and keen to share their experience.

"A lot of women have family commitments and we find that when they come along and enjoy some time to themselves, that's when they want to come back.

"We provide all the equipment and we'll be more than happy to help them on the course.

"Any woman or girl who wants to try it should definitely come along."

Those interested in taking part in the sessions should visit the club's website or contact them through their Facebook page.