BUDDING Phil Mickelsons and wannabe Tiger Woods are to be given a helping hand with the launch of a major new scheme to unearth young golf stars.

The Redditch Advertiser has teamed up with The Golf Academy to launch a scheme that will see eight youngsters win the backing and coaching of one of the country's leading coaches.

Mark Pearson spent three years as Academy Director at The Belfry. He previously spent ten years as head pro at a golf course in Leeds.

Now he has taken over at the Holberrow Green driving range, near Inkberrow, which has been given a new lease of life as The Golf Academy.

The budding golf stars will come from across the age range as the competition is open to boys and girls aged from five to 16. Selection will take place during a Family Open Weekend at the centre on March 4/5.

Pearson explained: "Our aim is to try and unearth the next golfing star from this region and provide structure and support to enable them to realise their potential.

"The winners will attend a specialist weekly coaching scheme (in addition to their normal coaching) aimed at accelerating their progress."

But Pearson, who coaches a number of golfers on the European Tour, said the eight children chosen will not necessarily be the best golfers.

He explained: "There will be two outstanding juniors selected in each category who, in the opinion of The Golf Academy, warrant extra coaching.

"The winners will be the ones showing the most aptitude, natural ability and desire to play the game at an elite level. Particularly at the younger age groups these may well be beginners.

"Every three months the participants will either be re-selected or replaced depending on their attitude and performance. The scheme will be ongoing with one annual open weekend."

The Family Open Weekend will see the youngsters divided into four different age groups - 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-16 year olds. They will attend in pre-booked 45-minute groups all of the same age group at various times over the two days. It is open to beginners and existing golfers of all standards.

The selection will also act as a perfect taster for the Young Masters Golf Coaching Scheme operating at The Golf Academy.

In addition out of all those attending two will be drawn out of the hat to win a prize of a free Cadets course on the YMG Coaching Scheme. Mums of the juniors will be able to have a taster for the Lady Masters Golf Coaching Scheme and dads will receive a voucher for 50 per cent off a golf lesson.

To book a place at the selection weekend, call The Golf Academy on 01386 793053.