Open golf for players on a budget

The tribute course, designed by Peter McEvoy, was inspired by famous holes such as the "Road Hole" at St Andrews Links

By Hayley Rothwell Lanarkshire reporter, BBC Scotland news website

Teeing off at the world famous Old Course at St Andrews Links can set you back up to £130.

But golf enthusiasts short of time and money could try their luck at the "Road Hole", as well as the 16th at Carnoustie and the 4th at Royal St George's, for about a tenth of the price.

Playsport Scotland, a £20m sports centre being built in South Lanarkshire, will be home to the country's first nine hole 'tribute' golf course.

Each pin is inspired by some of the most famous British Open links holes.

The course is designed for PowerPlay Golf - a shorter version of the game that uses two flags instead of one, indicating harder or easier shots.

It was created by former British and world amateur champion Peter McEvoy, who hoped the game would become as popular as Twenty20 cricket.

He said: "There have been a lot of people looking for a long time for a shorter version of golf, other sports have done it - rugby, cricket and football."

Shorter game

Mr McEvoy said he did not think his game would replace 18 hole golf, but hoped it would attract more people to the sport.

"We know that 43% of people who don't play golf, or who have tried golf and given it up, have done so because it takes too long," he said.

"All sports are taking longer, so we've just done something to address it for the people who haven't got the time."

The complex will include tennis courts, football pitches and a swimming pool

A round at that course typically costs £15.

The Playsport Scotland project is a partnership between Playgolf Holdings plc, South Lanarkshire Council and Kilmartin Property Group.

The 220,000 sq ft centre, based near the town's Kingsgate Retail Park, will also include a 58-bay driving range, an indoor tennis centre, five-a-side and seven-a-side football pitches, an indoor swimming pool, shops and restaurants.

It is expected to open in March 2009 and to create about 200 jobs.

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