LOCAL schoolchildren have been given a chance to swing into action and try their hand at golf.
It is all part of a partnership between the Golf Foundation and De Vere Slaley Hall, which culminated in a showcase event during the build up to the PGA Seniors Championship.
Local school children from Wingrove School, Newcastle, were on hand foll
owing a unique initiative between De Vere Slaley Hall and the Golf Foundation, encouraging kids to take up the game with the Tri-Golf programme.
Ryder Cup legends Ian Woosnam and Costantino Rocca joined the children on the lawn in front of the 4-star Edwardian Slaley Hall Hotel, alongside the 18th green of the Hunting Course, where they helped the children understand some of the basics of the game of golf.
Tri-Golf encourages children to learn golf in a fun environment, introducing them to both the technical skills and etiquette of the sport.
Former Masters champion Ian Woosnam said: "Getting children involved in golf at this age is so important.
"The likes of Tiger, and more recently Rory McIlroy, have proved that age is no barrier.
"To involve the local community in an event like this is fantastic and you never know, this initiative could unearth a future Major champion."
"This is always a great week for us at Slaley Hall, the course is in great condition and it attracts a strong field."
Daniel Hodson, director of Golf and Leisure at De Vere, said: "It was great to see Ian and Costantino leading the Golf Foundation Tri-Golf initiative.
"Having such a strong list of competitors at this year's event is a great thrill for us at De Vere and to have two of the biggest name's on hand to help kick the weeks activities off, for such an important cause has been great, and a huge treat for all of us, and the children involved."
The Golf Foundation's Tri-Golf initiative offers over half a million children their first taste of golf every year, and is offered in around 5,000 schools across the country.
