HUNDREDS of golf enthusiasts descended on Two Riversmeet in Christchurch for the opening of a new course.

Major refurbishment has taken place at the golf course at Two Riversmeet to create a nine-hole course.

The newly revamped facility can also be used as a footgolf course.

Footgolf is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.

The philosophy is the same as golf but players kick a football to try and achieve or better their score on the new and improved nine par three holes.

Having the two courses together means that families can play together with parents playing golf and children having a go at footgolf.

A ribbon cutting was performed by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones and the course was launched by Kinson-based golf professional Georgia Hall who teed off and AFC Bournemouth U21 player Jordan Holmes who kicked the first ball for footgolf.

Throughout the day people were given the chance to try out the course for free.

A golf professional was available to give some coaching hints and tips.

There were also other events including nearest the pin challenges and putting competitions.

Garry Francis, senior duty officer at Two Riversmeet, said: “The day was enjoyed by everyone who attended and we’re very grateful to Georgia Hall and all of the AFC Bournemouth representatives who came along to support the day.

“We think the new course will be a great success and there are a number of different pay and play or membership options, as well as golf tuition available on the new coaching range.”

The decision to revamp the golf course was made in 2013 after a review of its performance.

Councillors made the decision to halve the size of the golf course from 18 to nine.

It came after members asked officers to look into the prospect of concerting the course into a leisure park last year.

The project to convert the golf course to nine holes was delayed due to flooding last year and will be officially opened in April.