CHURCH leaders are reaching out to aspiring young golfers at the Open Championship in Troon this year in an attempt to boost congregations.

Professional players have been hired to offer tuition to children attending the event. In return for free golf lessons, recruits will attend “life lessons” from Christian counsellors, which will include discussions on social and moral issues such as sex and drug abuse.

Organisers believe golf is an ideal hook to get youngsters interested in religion.

“We believe that sport in general and golf in particular offer an excellent opportunity for connecting with the youth of today in such a way as will allow the creation of a climate of care and understanding,” said Dr Gordon Hendry, a spokesperson for Troon Churches Together (TCT), which is co-ordinating the project.

“It will create an environment where young people can explore, in the company of volunteer youth workers, the social, moral and ethical challenges which they have to face today.

“This is valuable to the young people of our community at a time when they are faced with a restless, confused and insecure society. From this base it should be possible to promote moral, ethical and spiritual values, which will help them pursue a healthy lifestyle and maximize their potential.”

A team of nine professionals, headed by Luther Blacklock, coach to the Welsh National Junior Golf Association, will be housed in two marquees in the grounds of St Ninian’s Episcopal church, which overlooks the first tee at Royal Troon.

Golfing celebrities such as Bernhard Langer and Tom Lehman — both committed Christians — are also expected to drop in to offer advice about life on and off the course.

The course is expected to cost more than £65,000 and will employ about 60 youth workers recruited through recognised Christian youth organisations. At least £12,000 is being spent on golf tuition alone. There will be 16 practice bays decked out with the latest golfing equipment, such as inflatable nets which allow all-weather practice.

The project is backed by Christians in Sport, a missionary organisation with a vision to see Christians in every sports club.

Those close to the project deny it is a crude tactic to recruit more church followers. “The whole aim is to engage with young folk in the town. There’s no heavy expectation that they will come into the churches,” said Rev Ron Boyd, minister of Portland parish church in Troon.

“It’s about giving them a grounding and understanding in the Christian faith. The real blessing is that all local churches are working as one.”

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