MIGHTY MONTY TAKES ON AN �L� OF A CHALLENGE

Colin Montgomerie, Europe�s top international golfer is backing a campaign to encourage youngsters to become �learner drivers� by taking up golf.

In a bid to find tomorrow�s new superstars, thousands of beginners and newcomers to the game will be able to take advantage of free golf lessons with PGA Professionals throughout the country during BAE SYSTEMS National Golf Week from 21 April to 1 May 2000.

The campaign, which is also open to adults of all ages, embraces the Easter holiday weekend � a time when the organisers believe boys and girls can be coaxed onto Britain�s golf courses in their thousands to take advantage of the free lessons on offer.�

Mr Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA said:� �We want to take golf right down to the grass roots and interest children as young as eight or nine in the sport, as well as teenagers.

�You don�t have to be as good as Monty to enjoy the game.� It�s a character-building sport from which everyone � high or low handicappers � can benefit, since it teaches self-discipline and encourages the highest ethical standards.�

Equipment is also provided free of charge, so there�s no excuse not to have a go.� Last year�s event � the first of its kind in which Monty was involved - saw nearly 25,000 newcomers swing into action under the watchful eye of PGA professionals.�

Commenting Colin Montgomerie said� �Everyone should be given the chance to have a go at golf, and this campaign sets out to do exactly that.� You�re never too old or too young to start learning this unique game, which is a lot of fun and a great way of making new friends.�

Sir Richard Evans, Chairman of BAE SYSTEMS said:� �Last year�s National Golf Week was a terrific success and this year�s event looks like being just as much fun for everyone.

�It would be nice to find the next Monty or Laura Davies, but the real aim of the week is to give as many youngsters as we can, a taste of the sport that they can carry forward into adult life.�

A special Golf Hotline 08706 003330, on which callers can be referred to their nearest PGA pro to book a free golf lesson, goes live on 20 March and remains open until 1 May 2000.

Further details about BAE SYTEMS National Golf Week can be found on www.pga.org.uk or by calling 01675 470333.