OTLEY students are looking forward to getting into the swing of a brand new golfing programme.

Budding Rory McIlroys at Prince Henry’s Grammar School will be able to study the sport, in partnership with Cookridge Hall Golf Club, from September.

The course will enable Sixth Form pupils to receive eight hours of golf tuition per week alongside their A Level or BTEC studies, as part of their regular timetable.

Some of that time will be spent in class studying topics like ball flight laws and game management, while the rest will be dedicated to honing their golfing skills.

Deputy Headteacher at Prince Henry’s, Chris Rowbottom, is leading the project for the school.

He said: "This programme will allow students to develop their golfing potential alongside their academic skills, while allowing them a more balanced life.

"We have run a very successful elite Rugby Development Programme at Prince Henry’s for several years and our intention is that this programme will allow young people to develop in the same way."

The scheme will see Cookridge Hall Golf Club leading the golfing side of the programme, with all of the participating young golfers becoming members of the club.

Head of Junior Development Jonathan Pearson said: “This programme will allow young players with real potential the opportunity to develop their skills.

"For this reason, while we expect players who apply to join the programme to be serious golfers with real commitment, we are not currently limiting the golfing handicap of potential students."

The school says the curriculum will be tailored for each golfer, to fit their needs, with all participants being issud with their own development portfolio.

Some students, including Kyran Taylor (pictured above) have already signed up but there is still time for others to apply.

For more details visit www.princehenrys.co.uk or call (01943) 463524.