A GOLF club is hoping to find the next Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy by offering free coaching sessions to youngsters.

Woodham Golf and Country Club, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is hosting four Learn to Play Golf In a Day events for children on Saturday afternoons from May 30 to June 20.

Funded by the Golf Foundation’s Grass Roots programme, the sessions are open to youngsters aged seven to 18 and aim to encourage more children to take up the sport.

The club’s golf professional Ernie Wilson has also invited primary and secondary schools in the Newton Aycliffe area to attend and there will be a chance to win prizes.

And to encourage even more youngsters to take up the sport, Woodham Golf and Country Club, which reopened last August, is offering free membership to all children under the age of 14.

Mr Wilson said: “Golf is a fantastic hobby and a great way to exercise in beautiful surroundings. I started playing golf when I was 11 in a farmer’s field with my friend before joining the local club.”

Sessions for seven to 12-year-olds take place on May 30 and June 6 from 1pm to 5.30pm, while sessions for 12 to 18-year-olds take place on June 13 and 20 from 1pm to 5.30pm.

All equipment is provided.

To book, call 01325-319977.