Free golf for teens under 16

SEFTON Council is now offering under-16s free junior golf memberships which gives them a year’s no-cost play at its Bootle and Southport courses.

To qualify for the memberships, worth £80, under-16s must register at Bootle GC or Southport Golf Links shops.

They need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must provide proof of age.

Their free membership means that for the next 12 months they can then book a tee time and play as normal and it will cost them nothing.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Golf is a sport that requires regular practise and training and the ability to play for free at any time might help one of our local young people emerge as the next

Tommy Fleetwood.”

There are also twilight tickets for Bootle and Southport, starting from 4pm, for as little as £8.50.

More information about Sefton Council’s golf courses can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/golf.

PRO golfer Tommy Fleetwood paid tribute to a popular behind-thescenes golfing figure who died after a two-year battle with cancer.

The Southport star was among scores to offer their condolences to the family of Kate Wright after she died aged 36.

As the Tour’s Media Relations Co-ordinator for the past 12 years, Kate was a hugely popular figure amongst staff and players, but also amongst the journalists and broadcasters she worked with in media centres around the world.

Known affectionately as Wrighty, she was an accomplished golfer at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, in Bedfordshire, where she was coached as a youngster by future Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter.

Kate was also an integral part of the media centre teams at both the 2010 and 2014 Ryder Cups in Wales and Scotland, and she was in the process of preparing for The 2018 Ryder Cup when she was diagnosed with cancer just a couple of weeks before she was due to travel to Le Golf National.

Despite approaching that battle with the determination she was renowned for, Kate sadly passed away on August 18 at her family home in Great Brickhill with her parents Brian and Sue and her beloved cat Frankie by her side.

Tommy, who has five wins on the European Tour, took to social media to pay tribute to the popular figure.

He wrote: “So sad to hear that Kate has lost her battle with cancer. She was a huge supporter of golf, always quick witted and not shy on telling you what she thought. A strong character that will be sorely missed. Condolences to the Wright family. RIP Kate”