Watch out Tiger Woods -pupils at St Benedict's College could soon be hot on your heels out on the fairways.

In a change to the traditional football, hockey, rugby and netball, year eleven pupils will be practising their driving and putting skills during PE lessons at Lexden Wood golf course.

This is the first time the college in Norman Way, Colchester, has offered golf as a PE option, and it could well be a first for school in the borough.

Ian Clegg, head of PE at the college, said: "In year eleven pupils can opt for the sport they wish to do. We are trying to get away from the traditional basketball and netball and offer some more minority sports and widen the range.

"We are doing golf and boxercise which have both generated a lot of interest."

Mr Clegg said students were following a golf programme at the club and were starting off in the driving ranges before venturing on to the course.

"We have quite a few who have never played golf before," he said.

"They are loving it, really enjoying it. The club's programme is excellent and is really bringing them along.

"We have three or four really good golfers - it is surprising how quickly some of them have picked it up." And Mr Clegg hopes the lessons could lead to a lifetime of enjoyment on the fairways.

"We are trying to provide some variety for the future and golf is one of these things.

"We are introducing pupils to local facilities, and hopefully if they enjoy the golf, it is something they will keep up when they leave school."

Alan Whelan, principal at the college, said: "This is the first time we have done this and I think it is a first for local schools."

He added: "We have held tournaments in the past, but only in the summer for our best players.

"This is the first time we have taken out students to learn and train. We are thrilled about it and it has caused great excitement amongst the students."

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