A FREE taster weekend is being staged on Saturday and Sunday at a beautifully-situated golf course in a bid to encourage more people to take up the sport.

Hamptworth Golf is teeing up the golf open weekend with a host of activities on offer.

The course, in the north of the New Forest, is famous for being home of the 666-yard, par six hole The Beast.

Hamptworth’s owner Carl Faulds, a golfer who bought the club in 2015, said: “As we are now approaching the beginning of the season, we thought an open weekend would be the perfect occasion.

“We see it as a way to introduce the sport to new players and also rekindle enthusiasm in lapsed golfers.”

Among the attractions on offer are:

  • Free beginner’s ‘come and try it’ lessons with head professional Mike Mulligan, professional Mark Dawe or assistant James Dando
  • Free‎ pitch & putt and range balls
  • The chance to win a set of clubs‎ in a free prize draw
  • Afternoon green fees of just £10
  • The chance to sample Hamptworth hospitality in the beautifully situated clubhouse
  • All-day menu and Sky Sports open to all
  • Viewings of potential wedding, party or meeting venues

The club has an exciting, interesting and attractive course, which appeals to all standards of golfer and has a relaxed, family-friendly bistro-bar, Barny’s.

The 18-hole course can play from 5,900 up to 6,500 yards long and weaves through the trees on the sprawling Hamptworth estate.

Carl added: “Our golf course is one of the finest in the south of England and has hosted some major professional events, including the Ladies County Championship and the Jamega Professional Tour last year.

“We are also famous as the home of The Beast, our unique 666 yard par six, a great challenge for every golfer – and that is what we are all about, making gold fun and relaxed for everyone.”

Hamptworth also has five international-standard croquet lawns and a tennis section.

For more details or to book a free lesson at Hamptworth Golf phone 01794 390155 or visit their website www.hamptworthgolf.co.uk