BRITAIN's first ever degree course in golf is being introduced by Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College.

Fanatics of the game will be able to sign up for a BA Honours degree in Leisure Studies and Golf at the college campus in Kingshill Road, High Wycombe, in September.

The three-year course will be the first of its kind to be offered in this country.

Students will study golf psychology, golf management and operations, green-keeping and retail operations and will become full members of Hazlemere Golf and Country Club.

Potential applicants must have two A-levels or equivalent and will be able to apply to their local authority for a grant.

Lecturer Mark Readman will take the course. He said the degree, initially on offer to 14 students, will balance serious research with practical experience of the game.

He said: "There is no other thing like it in this country. Over in the States you can take golf degrees and I have brought the idea back here. Students will spend one day each week green-keeping and there will be 12 hours of lectures and seminars each week.

"However, we want them to play golf as well and the deal we have done with Hazlemere Golf and Country Club means that students will become full members and the hope is they will represent the club at weekends."

John Hampden Grammar School headteacher Andrew MacTavish expressed reservations about the degree's credibility, adding: "It's a good idea for golf, but I don't think it would interest any of our boys. We have some very good golfers, but I think they would be playing golf in their spare afternoons when they are not managing industry and commerce. If we had a boy who saw his future in the golf world as a professional and he wanted to do it we wouldn't stop him."

Wycombe MP Sir Ray Whitney said he was surprised to learn about the course, adding: "I am an enthusiastic golfer who came late to the game, but I would like to know more about the degree. I find it surprising and I would like to talk to the college authorities before I comment on it."

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Picture shows lecturer: Mark Readman

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