Mark is a big hit with the ladies

Stamford professional Mark Smith has been working hard with his club to encourage more women into playing golf.

He came up with the idea after giving regular golfing lessons to his girlfriend, Clare.

And Smith believes he can attract more members to Stamford.

"I thought if we could offer women membership with golf lessons included then maybe we would get some interest," he explained.

"I talked it over with the club and they agreed that we can offer membership for £300, but with 20 lessons thrown in and the club then paying me for my time.

"In a year's time, if we look back on this and itis been a success, then the golf club has won.

"Golf can sometimes seem like a male-dominated sport and maybe some women are put off by that.

"But this way, they pay the membership fee and get the lessons which I hope will give them the confidence to play more.

"That's what's happened with Clare. She plays every week now and loves it.

"Instead of clubs trying to undercut each other with reduced membership fees, this is something that might encourage more ladies to take up the game."

As part of Stamford's efforts to promote golf, the club is hosting an open day on Sunday.

On the competition circuit, Smith tees up in a qualifier for the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship at Hesketh tomorrow week.

He will be among a strong field seeking a place in this year's £78,000 final, held in association with Peugeot, which is being played at the De Vere Carden Park, Cheshire from August 7 to 10. And, having been hit by illness on reaching his first final last year, he is hoping to have better luck this time round.