Golfers from across the UK are being promised something new for 2018 as the South Ayrshire Golf Festival is officially launched.
Alongside regular favourites a number onew competitions are being introduced to broaden the field of competition and to encourage younger players into competition.
This year’s programme includes the showcase Ayr Golf Week which returns for its 67th year, alongside the popular Troon Golf Weekender and the Girvan Golf Classic. In 2018, five new competitions are being introduced to the showcase Ayr Golf Week to appeal to the broadest possible range of golfers.
The new Robert Burns Trophy is open to people with higher handicaps and complements the established Tam o’Shanter and Handyside tournaments, while the new Gents Greensomes and the Par 3 Pairs Target Golf widens the field further still.
To mark the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People 2018, and to help promote golf to a new generation, two new competitions have been introduced. The Junior Stableford and the Junior Open are open to young people under the age of 18 looking to get a taste of competitive golf on South Ayrshire’s fantastic golf courses.
Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said, “We remain committed to working with our partners and communities to make life better in South Ayrshire and the 2018 Golf Festival plays an important role in actively promoting the area as a must go-to destination as well as championing healthy lifestyles.
“The new competitions at Ayr Golf Week illustrate our desire to foster and develop talent and inspire a new generation to embrace the sport; while we’ve already invested in first-class facilities at Belleisle, Troon and Girvan.
“We look forward to welcoming this year’s competitors to enjoy challenging rounds against the backdrop of some of Scotland’s most spectacular natural scenery.”
A 20% early bird discount is available for entry to Ayr Golf Week until Saturday, April 14 2018, and for the Troon Golf Weekender and Girvan Golf Classic until Thursday, 31 May, 2018.
Full details on the South Ayrshire Festival of Golf can be found here