PRIMARY school pupils got a taste for the Open when they took part in their very own specially-designed golf tournament this week.

More than 400 pupils took part and 12 teams from six school qualified for the final at New Brighton’s Championship Adventure Golf Course on Tuesday.

Each team took a name of a world-famous competitor at this year’s Open, which begins on July 17 at Hoylake’s Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

The challenging seafront mini-golf course features holes based on famous major championship venues, included a miniature version of the Hoylake course.

It was Greenleas Primary School from Wallasey that took the team title in Tuesday’s final, defeating Liscard, Mount Primary, New Brighton, St George’s and St Peter and Paul’s.

All of the pupils that participated in the final will be provided with tickets to one of the Championship days at The Open courtesy of The R&A Foundation.

Pupils from Mount Primary enjoyed an extra special treat when they got to see the Claret Jug up close at the mini-golf course before it is presented to The Open winner this summer.

“It is great to be able to get kids playing golf and to really see them getting excited about The Open,” said Championship Adventure Miniature Golf owner Nick Ashfield.

“That feeling of excitement will fuel the next generation of golfers and coming to a facility like ours is a great introduction to the game.”

To encourage youngsters to try the sport The R&A, who organise The Open, have teamed up with Wirral Council, England Golf and Royal Liverpool Golf Club to run a “Road to The Open” event for school pupils in Wirral to receive tuition from Wirral’s community golf coach Neil Price.

Duncan Weir, R&A executive director, said: “We don’t just want to host a tournament at a world-class golf course, we want to leave a legacy that fuels new blood coming into the sport and picking up golf clubs.

“The Open is capable of providing the inspiration but it is by working in partnership with schools, the host club Royal Liverpool, Wirral Council and facilities like Nick’s that we are able to turn that into something tangible.”

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral’s cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, added: “With everything that is going on this summer, it is important that we remember that at the heart of it all is the love of sport and the importance of getting people interested in healthy and rewarding activities.

“I would like to say congratulations to the winning school, who will get a chance to see some world superstars at this year's Open.”

  • The Open takes place from July 17 to 20 and will be preceded by practice days from July 13 to 16.
  • Visit our dedicated Open section, here, for more information.