ONE of the oldest courses in the country has invested heavily in significantly improving its greens.

Seaton Carew, famously designed by the man behind the Augusta National, Dr Alister MacKenzie, has worked hard on bringing its 22 greens over five layouts up to a much higher standard.

The challenging 142-year-old track on the North Sea coast, near Hartlepool, is renowned across the country for its brilliant links and its members wanted to see putting surfaces do it justice.

Work began last year on addressing the deteriorating greens and the results have been fantastic, with members and visitors delighted by the progress.

The chairman of the greens at Seaton Carew, Ed Thompson, said: “The club realised that investment was required to fetch the greens back to a standard our excellent course deserves.

“Funding has been made available because we want to give members and visitors a high quality product. This is one step in a longer-term plan to improve the overall golfing experience at Seaton Carew.

“Better management of rough, improving on course drainage to address flooding of bunkers during the winter months, as well as the general aesthetics around the course are areas we are addressing.

“It would be remiss of me not to mention the changes we are seeing in the clubhouse too. We now have a new bar manager and chef, who are providing an excellent service with good quality food.”

ENGLAND Golf funding will enable women and girls to have a go at the sport for free at South Moor.

During May and June, lady beginners can enjoy free ‘taster’ coaching sessions in the evenings. All equipment is provided and they can wear what they like.

Shaun Cowell, one of South Moor's PGA professionals, said: "Women have always been regarded as equals at our club.

"We have taken this step to encourage women and girls to try golf because we feel the sport as a whole suffers from an unfair stereotype where females are concerned.

"Under this England Golf coaching scheme, if girls under 18 enjoy our taster sessions they can have a free series of golf lessons."

Anybody who wants details should ring Shaun or his fellow PGA pro Mark Ridley on 01207 283 525, email professional@southmoorgc.co.uk.

SLALEY Hall is offering children the chance to stay and play for free during selected school holidays this summer.

QHotels’ new partnership with England Golf and Your Golf Travel is offering youngsters under 16 accommodation and a free round of golf at the Hexham track when staying overnight with an adult during the May half-term, summer and October half-term holidays.

The ‘Family Golf Breaks’ are valid for up to two children per room when staying with one full-paying adult, with packages starting from £99 per person.