UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING NINE-HOLE COURSE OPENS ON SATURDAY

Airthrey Golf Course - University of Stirling nine-hole course which opesn to the public on Saturday.

NEWS RELEASEThe University of Stirling's family-friendly Airthrey Golf Course has been receiving expert attention ahead of its opening on Saturday (April 2).
Dedicated grounds staff have been working around the clock to ensure the nine-hole parkland course meets the community seal of approval.
Grounds Team Leader Allan McPherson, a former greenkeeper at Braehead Golf Club, has been managing the preparations, which includes readying the greens, cutting the fairways, ordering new flags and even adding fresh sand to the bunkers of the par three community course.
He said: "It is always an important job to tidy the course up and get its presentation just right. The recent weather has made it quite tricky, but we have a great team who take pride in making it look as good as new.
"Brian Young has green keeping experience and previously looked after bowling greens so he knows how to prepare the golf greens. He is always out there every morning during the season, champing at the bit to get to work on the course.
"I'm sure it will look aesthetically pleasing, especially with the surrounding scenery. And each hole provides its own unique challenge for the golfers, with varying lengths and differing characteristics."
Airthrey Golf Course stretches more than 1,000 yards across the grounds of the University, with the backdrop of the Ochil Hills and the Wallace Monument.
It is open seven days a week on a turn up and play basis, the ideal course to make your first steps into golf or to brush up on your game.
Prices are: £5/£5.80 for an adult weekday/weekend round; £2.75/£3 for a juvenile weekday/weekend round and £2.70/£3.50 for a student weekday/weekend round.
To help you ease your way into the season, there is a two-for-one offer running from April 2 to 10.
All equipment is available for hire so there is every reason to give golf a go at the University - who knows, you may even follow in the footsteps of its illustrious golfing almuni, including European Tour player Richie Ramsay and top ladies golfer Catriona Matthew.
After nine holes, you can also polish up on your putting with a dedicated putting green. And there are also two excellent golf practice areas available for group hire.
These comprise short-game areas with target greens, a practice bunker and a medium distance driving range. To book, call 01786 466908. For any general enquiries, please call 01786 466900.
The University of Stirling also runs golf classes for adults and children. Find out more at: www.sportingexcellence.stir.ac.uk/take-part/classes