Six years ago, after discovering that oppor-tunities for their daughters to join a girl-friendly club were limited, a group of parents formed the Linlithgow District Girls Golf Society.

Chairman Kenny More said: "It started as a virtual golf club put together by some enthusiastic mums.

''They got some Golf Foundation funding, and set about engaging primary age girls in golf. They utilised local facilities, and the society gathered in strength and size."

Kenny, whose eldest daughter has been on the programme from the start, added that a coaching programme was set out to help develop girls from P4s through to S1 – when they should be grabbed by clubs.

The number of girls in the Association – some of whom are pictured, above – has grown from six to 33, and this year the first batch have reached the age of 12, when they could join a golf club's junior membership.

And with Scottish Golf's junior programme, clubgolf, helping to increase young female memberships, the future is looking brighter than six years ago.

In the latest development the LDGGS, clubgolf, and Linlithgow and West Lothian Golf Clubs have combined forces to offer a pathway for their older girls into the clubs, starting with four medal events.

Kenny added: "With the help of Alan Reid and Karen Bowerman, we have just completed the first three competitions and they've been terrific.

"The girls' parents met lady members and saw what a positive environment this is for their kids.''

Next year lessons for the "graduating" girls at the start of the season are planned with the pros from the West Lothian and Linlithgow clubs, as well as more summer medals.