Budding golfers who have been bitten by the recent Ryder Cup hype can try out the popular sport for free.

Paultons Golf Centre at Ower on the edge of the New Forest will be making the game available to everyone for a whole weekend with professionals on hand for top advice.

The idea behind the scheme is to keep business ticking over at Paultons - which was given a bronze award in the HSBC Regional Course Rankings last year - during the autumn and winter months.

Would-be golfers can benefit by taking up special winter offers so they will be ready for the fairways next spring.

During the weekend of October 14/15 all balls on the driving range will be free to beginners once they have registered.

The centre's three professionals, including Mark Williamson, pictured, will give 15-minute individual lessons throughout the two days.

Beginners can also play on the nine-hole academy course on both days.

Other major benefits of the weekend include 15 months membership for the price of a year, the waiving of the normal joining fee, price reductions in the golf professional shop and 25 per cent off lesson packages booked for October through to January.

More details on 023 8081 3992.