Skipton Golf Club is to step up its coaching programme for youngsters.

It has formed an academy to introduce under-11s to the game and provide them with subsidised coaching.

A series of lessons has been planned, the first beginning this month, taken by the club's assistant professional, Ben Mallinson with 40 subsidised places open to local youngsters, who do not need to be members.

Youngsters will be coached in the basics of the game and at the end of the eight week course there will be a competition on the course, followed by a presentation of awards.

Several teenagers have come through previous coaching courses and have made their mark on adult competitions at the club.

They are expected to be pressing for places in the club's team in the Bradford Union league this summer and one, 14-year-old Scott Clarkson, who plays off a handicap of five, has been selected for the Bradford Union Junior squad.

The academy is paying for some of its most promising members to receive coaching from Peter Tupling, the former European Tour player now recognised as one of the leading golf coaches in the north.

Richard Addyman, a member of the committee running the Skipton Junior Golf Academy, said that the club had a target of providing coaching for 40 under-11s, with at least 10 girls.

"As well as going through a structured course, we provide a competition for them," said Addyman. "Hopefully, they will wish to pursue their interest and ultimately become regular players, possibly very good low handicap players.

"Golf has shed its image as a stuffy, old-fashioned game and our membership is drawn from all walks of life but it is still hard for children to get involved if their parents don't play the game. The Skipton academy will help them get started."