North-West Hampshire MP Sir George Young opens the new Test Valley Golf Club Academy.

It comprises a ten-bay covered driving range and a full short game practice area and is adjacent to the Test Valley course in Overton near Basingstoke.

The opening ceremony, also attended by European Tour player Richard Bland, was followed by a presentation to the latest group who have graduated from the Young Masters Golf programme at Test Valley.

The Golf Academy and the YMG programme are part of Test Valley's strategy to introduce more young people to the game.

"We are removing the barriers that prevent young people from enjoying golf, and a big step towards doing that is to provide them with facilities that they are happy to practise in," enthused club general manager Alastair Briggs, who looked on as Sir George cut the tape at the new driving range.

"We now have some of the best facilities in the region to practise every aspect of the game, all in one location," added Briggs.

The Academy provides a facility for everybody to practise their game independently or under the guidance of one of Test Valley's three PGA teaching professionals.