FORMER England football manager Sir Bobby Robson is to open Hinksey Heights' new nine-hole course next Thursday.

Visitors will be able to meet Sir Bobby, who is now Ireland's international football consultant, when he does the honours at 2.30pm.

As part of the launch, rounds on the course will be free on Thursday and Friday, but players will need to book in advance.

Hinksey Heights' head pro Dean Davis said: "We managed to get Bobby through our director of golf, David Heads.

"David knows a lot of people, so has the connections.

"Bobby will be flying into Birmingham airport and we will drive him from there."

Thursday's opening will also feature the chance to win 12 months' membership, a mountain bike and £400 to spend in the pro shop.

Davis will be offering free swing assessment as well as performing his trick shot show.

He added: "We've now got a nine-hole pitch and put course, a nine-hole intermediate course and an 18-hole championship course.

"The course Bobby is opening will help people who find the main one a bit difficult.

"We are also finding the main course is getting busier and busier.

"We've not put the bunkers in yet as we will let it bed in for 12 months."

The course has taken 18 months to build and is the next stage in a plan that will see another nine holes added to to the championship course.

Green fees for the nine holes will be £15.50 at weekends and £13.50 on weekdays.

To book a free nine-hole round, call Hinksey Heights on 01865 327775.