Northern Rock's junior golf festival The Rock is returning for its seventh year on Sunday, August 24 and is open to children aged five to 16 from across the North East.

More than 300 can take part in golf lessons, which will be running from 9.30am until 4.30pm, and in the afternoon, Matfen will also play host to good up-and-coming players as more than 30 teams of three children and a professional from the region play in a four-ball competition for the Rock Junior Pro-Am Trophy.
Even the under fives can have a go with Tri-golf lessons on offer for youngsters under the watchful eye of the Golf Foundation's Development Officer, John Wood.

Morpeth pro David Clark will take part in the Pro-Am and he believes the festival will be very useful for the young players.

"Those playing in the Pro-Am will learn how to best get around the golf course from the pros and it will be beneficial as sometimes you learn more from watching golfers play than being told to do something," he said.

"We will give the kids tips on things like gripping the club and the stance by the ball and a few tweaks here and there can make all the difference in this game.
"It is also an excellent opportunity for children starting out to learn the basics, as if they get the opportunity they could become professionals in the future."

Clark added that there are a number of players across the County who have been successful after coming through the junior ranks including at his own club, highlighting Mark Penny, who won the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs' match play and stroke play championships earlier this year, and Richard Caisley, who has been selected for a golf scholarship in the USA.

Golf clubs and balls will be provided on the day and kit will be available if required.

Northern Rock's Director of Advertising, Brand and Sponsorship, Dave Henderson, said: "The Junior Pro Am Golf Tournament realises a number of our aims in giving kids a chance to do something different.

"It knocks down the widely held perception that golf is for the privileged few and also gives everyone an excuse to have some fun."

The festival culminates at Matfen Hall with a three-day event for the PGA North Region's best from Monday, August 25 until Wednesday, August 27.

Ashington-born Kenneth Ferrie — a former European Open champion who is playing on the PGA Tour in the USA this season — will return to his home course to take part in the 54-hole event and the Pro-Am.

The winner of the competition in 2005 said: "Golf offers so many health benefits to people of all ages, and I think it's great that it's becoming recognised more and more as a popular sport amongst young people.

"I can't wait to take part again in this year's competition, both in the professional tournament and alongside the region's budding golf stars."

Catering facilities will be on offer at Matfen Hall throughout the duration of the festival.