A FORMER Oxfordshire publican has launched a new putting game he hopes will prove "an ideal introduction to proper golf".

Kevill Davies ran the Old Gate House in Botley Road, Oxford from 1982 to 1988 and the Steventon House Hotel near Harwell after that until 2000.

Six years on, he was at last week's London Golf Show to unveil '2-Ball Golf' a project he first devised in 1975.

The two-player game has elements of croquet about it and sees each person attempt to hole their own balls before targeting their opponents'.

Davies has set up his first course in Eastbourne, but 2-Ball Golf also comes in a portable guise suitable for anything from hotel rooms to corporate functions.

Davies said: "I think putting games can often be boring, but this one isn't.

"When golf is reduced in scale, it essentially revolves around putting, which by itself presents a less interesting challenge.

"2-Ball Golf is an innovative putting game for all ages that requires skill and strategy.

"I've been playing since 16 and I'm 59 now.

"I find that a full game of golf can be too much for me, I'm tired after 12 holes.

"This game takes a lot less time and is ideal for people who don't want to go through the effort of getting changed and walking four miles."

Davies's wife Sue helped him in the pub trade and is now very much invloved with the golfing venture.

He added: "We want to bring the game to world attention.

"It will be nice to have two-ball courses springing up all over the country and leagues getting started."

For more information, log on to their website at www.2-ballgolf.com