EFFORTS to revive the junior golf academy at Bransford this spring are under way.

The Bank House club are planning to hold free taster sessions for young golfers on Saturday, March 21, in order to get the academy group back up and running.

The tasters, under the tutelage of course professional Richard Jenkins and Tim Shephard, will initially provide a one-hour slot that will cover work on the driving range and putting green.

Jenkins said: “Our intention is to get more young children and teenagers involved in golf.

“We want to encourage them to see what the sport is all about and the enjoyment it can bring as their skills improve.

“We already have several promising young players at the club, who have worked hard to bring down their handicaps, and we would like to see a few more joining their ranks.

“There’s hasn’t been a junior golf academy for a couple of years and it would be wonderful to see it revived and running successfully.

“Getting young players involved in the sport is essential for any golf club.

“They are potentially the members of the future and, if we can make it both challenging and enjoyable for them, we hope they will decide to stay with the sport and with us.”

The free taster lesson on March 21 will be held from 10am until 11am for under 13s and from 11.30am until 12.30pm for under 18s. It is also planned to hold another for adult beginners on Sunday, March 22, from 10am until 11am and from 11.30am until 12.30pm.

Shephard, who is on the first of a three-year PGA course, has researched sports science and junior development in golf and believes juniors should be coached differently.

He has worked in the industry for five years, having gained distinctions following a two-year extended diploma in golf at Hartpury College, near Gloucester.

Shephard also completed a five-day residential course on golf business, sports science and coaching at The Belfry, the PGA’s headquarters.

He said: “We want to bring more golfers in and have them working and learning in a fun and safe environment.

“My coaching styles will be targeted toward improving their athletic ability first, which will help with their golf and also their body’s development as they get older.”

Shephard added they will also be working on fundamental movements for juniors.

Would-be young golfers can contact either coach on 01886-833621 to book a place for the taster sessions.