GOLFERS in Northwich are hoping to persuade 100 girls to try the sport as part of a new campaign.

Sandiway Golf Club, which celebrates its centenary in 2020, have plans to introduce the game to neighbouring schools and junior groups.

From there, they then hope to inspire girls to take part in specially-designed taster sessions.

"The anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the past 100 years," said Ruth Elliot-Smith, a member at Sandiway and campaign co-ordinator.

"But it should be a springboard as well for the next century, and we can't do that without producing female players of the future."

Gareth Jones, a PGA professional based at the course, will coach girls - aged from nine through to 18 - how to use junior-sized clubs which make the game easier to play.

Once they have developed those skills at school, they will be invited to a free session at Sandiway's newly-refurbished practice ground.

They can join the Golf Foundation's passport scheme, which records players' progress.

"If girls won't come to golf, then we'll take it to them," said Elliot-Smith.

"We're confident that many girls who have never even considered golf as a sport will love it as much as we do.

"It's our aim to be able to say in our 100th year that we have introduced at least 100 girls to the game, and encouraged a high percentage of those to take it up as their sport of choice."

Alison Lysons, development officer for the Cheshire Golf Development Group which is working with clubs to attract more players, said: “This is a wonderful idea by Sandiway.

“It is great to see a club with such a long and distinguished history taking a proactive approach to the long-term future not only of their own club, but for the sport in general.

“By bringing girls together this way, it will help show them how much fun there is to be had from learning and playing golf.”