FREE golf coaching for beginners is to be offered at Tenterden Golf Club. Kyle Kelsall, the club professional, will be coaching adult novices on April 24, and May 1 and 8.

The offer is part of an initiative, sponsored by the English Golf Union, to encourage people to try the sport and give them advice on joining a club.

There will be two sessions on each day, 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.45am to 11.45am.

Anyone interested may telephone Kyle Kelsall on 01580 762 409 or the club secretary, Norman Taylor, on 01590 763 987.

Those attending will receive an invitation to Kelsall's 'Body and Brain' teaching programmes.

He explains: "Hitting a golf ball is easy, but playing golf is often made to seem difficult by a focus on technique rather than what comes naturally.

"My method is based on using a pupil's natural body skills to enable them to hit the ball well within a short period of time.

"At the same time, pupils study the etiquette, rules and handicap system of the game and acquire course management skills.

"They learn how to use their brain to play better golf, far more quickly than with conventional methods."

He said the European approach to teaching gave beginners the confidence and knowledge they needed to go on to a full golf course and play with established golfers "without feeling foolish."

He added: "Pupils who pass all the tests at the end of my programme receive a signed golf knowledge certificate. I believe this is the way forward for English golf."