Paultons professionals will be catering for grass roots golfers this weekend - free of charge!

Staff at the popular golf centre at Ower have come up with a crash course to make the game available to people who have never swung a club before. And all three professionals will be on hand for the two days to hand out top tips.

The idea behind the project is to keep business ticking over at Paultons - which was given a bronze award in the HSBC Regional Course Rankings last year - during the autumn and winter months, and to make sure people know the golf centre exists.

Budding golfers can benefit by taking up special winter offers so they will be prepared to take on the superb 18-hole course next spring.

Professional Mark Williamson said: "I think there are a lot of people who have thought of playing golf but never got around to it.

"I have spoken to a few people, even from nearby Totton and Romsey, who do not know we are here so it is a good opportunity to advertise ourselves.

"Obviously it is a way of keeping us busy during the winter because golf can be played all the year round.

"Our greens are on all the year with perhaps the 12th being the only exception at times because it is surrounded by trees."

During the weekend (October 14/15) all balls on the driving range will be free to beginners once they have registered.

The centre's three professionals will give 15-minute individual lessons throughout the two days.

Beginners will then be able to put their experiences into practise by playing on the golf centre's popular nine-hole academy course on both days.

Other major benefits of the weekend include 15 months membership for the price of a year, the waiving of the normal joining fee, price reductions in the golf professional shop and 25 per cent off lesson packages booked for October to January.

More details on 023 8081 3992.