BOLTON Golf Club is holding an open day on Saturday as they look to recruit new members.

It will take place between 2pm and 5pm and is one of a number of initiatives the club has organised in a bid to boost membership.

The Chorley New Road club's membership chairman Ron Hopkins said: "We would like to invite as many people as possible to experience our facilities and have a look around the course and clubhouse.

"We are keen to dispel any preconceptions about golf clubs and impress on people that we are a warm and welcoming club.

"We are looking for all golfers, from the experienced golfer who might like to join our club, to beginners – both men and women – who might be considering taking up the game."

At the open day people will be able to play nine holes of the championship course while beginners can join in a one-hour free group lesson with the club professional.

Equipment will be provided and the event will conclude with a tour of the clubhouse.

Anyone interested in attending the open day should book with the professional's shop on 01204 843073 or email professional@boltongolfclub.co.uk.

The club is placing a lot of emphasis on its junior section in an attempt to get youngsters involved in the game. Its junior training section works alongside the Bolton Schools Partnership and the club will host the Bolton School's Games Golf Competition for primary schools on June 13 and 14 aimed at youngsters aged between seven and 10 years old.

The club's director of golf Ian Orrell said: "We have had a great response from the schools, and hopefully from the coaching we are offering we will encourage some new participants into the game.

“Junior golf in Bolton is something we want to grow and develop. We offer the Tri-Golf program which coaches children the basics of the game whilst working in teams.

"We want to make the game for juniors fun at Bolton Golf Club and we run a number of sessions every week ranging from putting, short game and on-course management to rules and etiquette.

"All the equipment needed is supplied and we also have a shorter course for junior golfers which has been designed for maximum enjoyment and an exciting golfing experience."

The club will also be offering flexible membership from April 1 which will include reduced fees for golfers who do not play often or at peak times – an initiative which is growing in popularity nationally.