REGENT Park Golf Centre held the official opening of their nine-hole short course on Friday.

Called the Family Course, it is made up of nine par three holes and is available to players of all standards and ages.

The centre's managing director, Robin Day, said: "The addition of the Family Course has been in the making now for nearly three years and we are pleased it is now finally open to the public of Bolton.

"It compliments our 18 hole championship course and our 20-bay driving range and our clubhouse with stunning views over the golf course. Whilst it is available to players of all standards and ages we see it as a really good starting point for the young people of Bolton to get them into golf, enjoy some fresh air and exercise."

Bolton mayor, Cllr Linda Byrne, was treated to an impromptu golf lesson by the centre's head professional, Neil Brazell, when she attended the Chorley New Road venue to perform the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony which was attended by representatives of Golf England, the Professional Golfers Association, Lancashire Golf Union and Bolton Golf Association.

She said: "What a great initiative it is for a golf club, that is not a private members club and open to the public of Bolton, to invest in young people. It will hopefully encourage young people to get involved in this sport that has seen some decline over recent years.

"Regent Park Golf Centre, still affectionately called The Bolton Muni, is widely regarded as one of the best public golf centres in the country with its Championship Course, the new holes that have recently been constructed, Bolton's only driving range, the golf academy with special emphasis on juniors, and now the Family Course. The investment by the company and Andrew Dickson is to be applauded."

The Family Course costs £6 per round for adults and £5 for under 16s. Clubs can be hired at the golf reception. For more information contact the professionals shop on 01204 595421.