Tee time for all at Seaford College!

Work has begun on building an 18-hole golf course at Seaford College, near Petworth, as part of a bid to bring golf within easy reach of young people.

The course, together with practise greens and a driving range, has been designed by sporting holiday company Exsportise, and will add to an already-impressive list of sports facilities at the school, which caters for day pupils and boarders aged 10-18.

All children will be able to participate in golf lessons during term time. However, during school holidays, the College will be available to the general public for both day lessons and residential courses.

Exsportise is working on the project in conjunction with golf pro Mike Dodd, a New Zealand and British PGA member, whose long-term aim is to increase golf awareness among children nationwide.

Mike said: "I believe that by setting up Golf Schools of Excellence for children, more children will be encouraged to participate in golf for life."

The development means that Seaford College joins a growing number of independent schools able to boast its own golf course and, from Easter, it is hoped that the College campus will be used regularly during school holidays for coaching courses in golf, as well as hockey, football and tennis.

Exsportise Director Bram van Asselt said: "Golf is the up and coming sport and we are delighted to be working with Seaford College on this particular scheme."

Although the course is shorter than most and has no sand-filled bunkers, it will still offer players a variety of challenges.

Headmaster Toby Mullins said: "This is an exciting new development for the school which will further enhance our reputation as a provider of excellent sporting facilities. It opens up even more opportunities for the pupils and introduces them to some of the big names in the sporting world at an early age.