IN some sports, it’s never a problem where the next generation of players will take their first steps from. Families, neighbours, friends and school pals can set up their own games of football and cricket.

But you can’t just whack a golf ball for fun without somewhere specific to go, one reason for the existence of the Northumberland County Golf Partnership, whose job it is to overcome obstacles to the sport’s development.

The partnership have put together an initiative starting on Sunday at Longhirst Hall, the first of 12 clubs in the county to host free Get into Golf sessions.

The sessions are open to anyone aged 16 years or older and the only stipulation is that you are not a member of a golf club. You can turn up in jeans and trainers even at the more upmarket establishments on the list of venues such as Close House and De Vere Slaley Hall.

Already signed up for free golf coaching at the Close House Academy are several wannabe golfers from Newcastle’s I Am Models agency.

Among the other host clubs is Centurion Park in Wallsend, owned by North Tyneside Council. Craig Fetherstone, the head teaching professional, said: “It’s not just about attracting people to have a go at the sport who have never even seen a golf course close up.

“It’s also about encouraging former members of clubs who might be thinking about coming back to the sport, perhaps after having been away to university or because of family commitments.”

Fetherstone, a former Parklands member and assistant pro, who lives in Palmersville, added: “We also want to underline the social side of golf.

“We’ll show our visitors to these sessions some of the basics of the sport for an hour, then spend half an hour or so with them in the clubhouse afterwards.

“Almost all golfers start playing because they know somebody who plays. Anybody is welcome just to pitch up here and have a bit of fun, to see for themselves what golf’s really like.”

Lisa Ferrie, county development officer for the partnership and the wife of triple European Tour winner Kenneth Ferrie, suggests golf as a fresh air alternative to the gym. She said: “The gym isn’t for everyone, but if your New Year’s resolution was to get fit or try something new, why not golf? This scheme means you can try it completely free and all equipment will be provided.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for people to try something new or get back into a sport they used to enjoy and got out of the habit of playing.”

Anyone interested can phone and register. If the sessions are full, email getintogolf@yahoo.com and you will be contacted when more sessions become available. Coaching sessions are also open to any groups or organisations in Northumberland. Contact getintogolf@yahoo.com to register your interest. Disability golf sessions are also available.

VENUES FOR FREE GOLF

Bedlingtonshire (Bedlington): Tue Mar 6 (6.30pm), Marcus Webb 01670 822457

Centurion Park (Wallsend): Wed Feb 8 (6pm), Craig Fetherstone 07875 871333

City of Newcastle (Gosforth): Wed Feb 15 (1.30pm), Steve McKenna 0191 285 5481

Close House (Heddon-on-the-Wall): Thur Feb 9 (6.30pm), Sally Hinton 01661 852953

Longhirst Hall: Sun Feb 5 (10.30am), Graham Chambers 01670 791562

Matfen Hall: Thur Feb 9 (10am), Peter Smith 01661 886400

Rothbury: Sat Feb 18 (11am), Val Hope 01669 620710

Slaley Hall: Fri Feb 17 (6pm), Steve McNally 078796 70038

Stocksfield: Sat Feb 18 (10am), Steve Harrison 01661 843041

Tynemouth: Sun Feb 12 (3.30pm), David Twizell 0191 258 0728

Percy Wood (Swarland): Sat Feb18 (1pm), Peter Ritchie 01670 787010

Westerhope: Thur Feb 9 (10am), Michael Nesbitt 0191 286 0594