GOLF BOOM TAKES OFF

The golf boom is back, a record 25,000 newcomers swung into action for British Aerospace National Golf Week and took up the offer of free lessons for beginners by PGA professionals throughout the UK and Ireland last month.

The promotion held from 10-18 April attracted beginners of all ages and was particularly well supported by juniors and ladies. OF those people who telephone the Golfline, 47 per cent were under 18 and 37 per cent were female showing that golf is now being seriously considered as a sport by women.

This year's campaign was treated to the "Full Monty" having won the support of Europe's top international golfer in Colin Montgomerie. Thanks to his efforts and time in generating awareness of the event, which was highlighted by displaying the logo on his golf bag during The Masters, more people thought about taking up the game this year than ever before.

"The chance to encourage others to play a game I've enjoyed all my life is a wonderful way to put back something into golf. I'm delighted to have been involved in British Aerospace National Golf Week and will do everything I can to make more people of all ages take up the game," said Colin Montgomerie.