WELCOME to my first column in the Greenock Telegraph, let me introduce myself.

My name is Derek Watters and I am the only full-time PGA professional in Inverclyde. 

I have lived in Greenock all my life and, although I spent nine years in Ayrshire working at Largs Golf Club, my heart has always remained in Inverclyde. 

My passion is to grow the game of golf in and around my home and for the last 10 years I have been based at Gourock Golf Club.

My aim in this new fortnightly column is to bring you all the local golf news and some advice on your golf game with handy hints and tips that will help everyone out on the fairways this year. 

I am happy to answer all queries and if I don’t know the answer I will endeavour to find it out and get back to you all personally.

I hope you all enjoy the last week of winter and once the clocks change on Saturday March 25 it will be all systems go for the golf season.

I can be contacted anytime through my website at www.derekwattersgolf.co.uk