A PROFESSIONAL golfer hopes to show the sport really is for everyone after setting up an academy for children with special needs.

Waterstock Golf Club has teamed up with the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Golf Partnership to launch the initiative.

Children were invited to taster days last October and in March this year and a team of 18 juniors was selected to take part in the inaugural programme.

The 12-week scheme helps children aged 10 to 15 get to grips with the game before taking to the course.

Club professional Tom Baker is running the free scheme with volunteer coaches from clubs across Oxfordshire.

He said: “The plan for the programme is to give all the boys and girls the knowledge and techniques to play the game of golf.

“One of the main aims is to give all those on the programme something different in terms of learning new skills and movements.

“It is hoped the programme can aid things like concentration and communication. The course is halfway through and it’s been really good and really rewarding.”

Participants have a range of disabilities and the club said it can also support wheelchair users.

Emma Langston, of Langford Garden, Bicester, said son Thomas, 13, enjoys the sessions.

Thomas, a pupil at the town’s Bardwell School, is partially-sighted and has conditions including cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Mrs Langston said: “To our surprise and delight, Thomas was selected to join the academy and he was over the moon.

“He really enjoys the experience and is very keen to give everything a try, despite his physical difficulties. He’s always buzzing after each lesson and can’t wait to chatter away about his day.”

The club plans to expand the academy project next year. For details, please email tombaker975 @hotmail.com or call Waterstock Golf Club on 01844 338093.