One of the world's top golfing events takes place in Wales in 2010. The Ryder Cup will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport in September of that year.

One of Ryder Cup Wales' aims, through Golf Development Wales, is to increase participation in the sport.

In the run-up to the Ryder Cup, emphasis has been placed on encouraging more girls and women to play the sport.

Girls in secondary schools throughout Pembrokeshire are being given the opportunity to 'try their hand' on the golf course.

A partnership has been formed between Golf Development Wales, Sport Pembrokeshire (Pembrokeshire County Council's sports development unit) and the Urdd, backed by funding from sponsors Towergate Insurance Co and Sportsmatch, to set up the scheme. The participating girls are given free coaching by PGA professionals from local golf clubs in lunchtime or after school clubs, followed by the opportunity of attending coaching sessions at the local golf course.

The scheme was initially piloted at Ysgol y Preseli, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Dewi Sant and Pembroke School. This year it is expanding to include all secondary schools. South Pembrokeshire Golf Club is inviting women and girls to tee-off at the club's free taster session on Saturday, May 23rd.

Should participants be tempted by the fun of the fairways at the sessions, further lessons will then be available at a discounted rate as well as a trial membership scheme.

Brian Davies, of Golf Development Wales, said: "Many women want to try the game but are quite shy about approaching their local club for lessons on their own. Having lessons with a group of friends is far less daunting and more fun and also emphasises the social side of golf.

"It's also a great way to stay or get fit because for every round you play, you walk between four and eight miles, and burn around 1,000 calories."

For more details contact the club on 01646 682442.

Details of participating clubs are available from Golf Development Wales on 01633 423798 or via www.golfdevelopmentwales.org.