Hayling Island is the venue for the British Open Disc Golf Championships this weekend.

Disc golf is a fast-growing game in which, instead of using clubs, the players throw specially designed discs similar to frisbees with the object of holing out into a basket on a pole.

As in golf the object is to complete the 18-hole course in as few shots as possible.

Trees and bushes act as natural hazards and changes in elevation add to the challenge of the course which is similar in length to an actual golf course.

As traditional golf has woods, irons and putters, discs have different flight characteristics. Some fly far and straight, some turn left or right then short-range "putters" are thrown once players reach the green.

Disc golf began in the United States 30 years ago. The beauty of the game is that it can be played in most open spaces.

In Hampshire enthusiasts began playing when away camping in the New Forest, without even knowing of the existence of disc golf in world sport. The first Hayling Hurricane tournament was staged in 1996.

The first pukka disc golf course was created at Northney Marshes in Hayling Island where the British Championship takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

The British Disc Golf Tour consists of 12 events of which this is the biggest, attracting players from home and abroad.

Visitors are welcome along to Northney Farm (near St Peter's Church in Hayling Island after turning left off the A3023 at Northney Road) where several counter-attractions are planned.