Ryder Cup legend Ian Woosnam was on hand to impart pearls of golfing wisdom to some local youngsters at Slaley Hall as part of a schools tri-golf initiative.
The partnership between the Golf Foundation and Slaley Hall, which has been encouraging school children across the north east to try their hand at golf in recent weeks, culminated in a showcase event during the build up to the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship .
Local school children from Wingrove School, Newcastle, teamed up with Woosnam, Costantino Rocca and DJ Russell for some Tri-Golf games on the lawn in front of the 4-star Edwardian Slaley Hall Hotel.
Tri-Golf encourages children to learn golf in a fun environment, introducing them to both the technical skills and etiquette of the sport.
"Getting children involved in golf at this age is so important," said Woosnam.
"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."
Daniel Hodson, director of golf and leisure at De Vere, added: "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 names 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 Foundations 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.
25 June, 2009