Golf: No shortage of opportunities to get involved and play the game

"One of my primary goals at Edinburgh Leisure is to get more of the people of Edinburgh out on our golf courses, including families and juniors," said head of golf Ian Grimwade.

The family friendly short courses provide an option for junior golfers aged approximately 6-11 or beginner golfers to play alongside adults or more experienced golfers.

Each course has holes measuring from 80-180 yards, marked by blue tees that are set to the side of the fairway usually providing as direct a route to the green as possible.

"We want juniors and beginners to feel the thrill of reaching a green in one shot, making pars and having fun on the golf course," added Grimwade.

"We also want to allow families to be able to play our courses in a reasonable time, so that they feel comfortable and not like they are in the way. The short course reduces that playing time for families to the same as our other more experienced players."

Season-ticket holders can take advantage of a 'Kids for a Quid' offer when playing with their parent. "Or for the older kids' parents can drop them off for a day at the course, with a summer junior season-ticket costing only 35," suggested Grimwade.

"This summer pass programme was very popular last year, so we extended it from six weeks to eight weeks this summer."

Regular green fees for juniors are 3 midweek and 4.50 for nine holes or 3.50 midweek and 5 weekend for 18 holes.

"Most golfers started playing the game with their mum or dad, an uncle or grandparent," commented Grimwade. "I grew up playing with my dad, brother and sometimes my mum at Kinghorn and Muckhart.

"It was good family time together, and we all still have fond memories of those summer nights on the golf course."

Working with Laura Rushby at clubgolf, two of the Edinburgh Leisure courses have been included in the Edinburgh Junior Golf Fun Flag series and 2010 Tour.

These competitions, aimed at players aged 8-14 years old, are scheduled on Friday, 6 August at Portobello and Thursday, 12 August at Carrick Knowe with more details at www.edinburghgolfcoaching.co.uk.

"We also continue our junior golf coaching programme at Craigentinny with golf professional Owen Leslie. Summer golf camps run mornings and afternoons throughout the summer holidays," said Grimwade.

"We want to grow the game, by encouraging juniors and families."