To the fore!

Primary school pupils from across Sefton borough got into full swing ahead of the Open Golf Championship held in Southport.

Sixteen schools took part in a mini golf tournament at Greenbank High School, just a short pitch away from the famous Royal Birkdale course which hosted the 146th Open in July.

The special tournament was organised by Greenbank High School to leave a lasting legacy of the golf championship for young people across the borough.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s cabinet member regeneration and skills, said: “It was great so many young people took part in the mini golf tournament at Greenbank High School – just yards away from Royal Birkdale.

“We want the legacy of the Open Golf Championship to be a lasting memory for as many people as possible, especially young people.

“Playing in a tournament like this and seeing the world’s best golfers head to Royal Birkdale will hopefully ingrain a passion for the game or any other sport for many young people.”

Following two golfing sessions on Greenbank’s astro-turf, run in partnership with Elite Sports Academy, St Luke’s in Formby won the morning event and Holy Family Catholic Primary from Southport were crowned champions in the afternoon.

Ian Raikes, headteacher at Greenbank High School, said: “As part of Sefton’s commitment to ensuring a legacy is left to hosting The Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale, we thought it would be a great way to bring schools together and celebrate this sporting spectacle.

“The mini tournament was an astounding success with pupils able to see the venue of this major world sporting event in the background giving them instant inspiration”.