Royston Golf Club is holding a celebration next month to mark 400 years of golf on Therfield Heath.

The current club was established in 1892, however golf is recorded to have been played in Royston long before that.

On October 4, 1624, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham - the first Englishman known to have played golf - was recorded as playing golf in Royston.

Villiers was a favoured member of the court of King James I (James VI of Scotland) who shared his mother Mary Queen of Scots' interest in golf and established a hunting lodge in Royston.

To commemorate the milestone, Royston Golf Club will open its doors on Sunday, October 6 to introduce visitors to the game of golf.

Visitors can win a prize in the putting challenge, and can watch Royston members take on the Hickory Golf Society using traditional wooden clubs.

Royston Golf Club course director Bridget Long said: "Sited on Therfield Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, surrounded by ancient monuments and laid out across the chalk hills, Royston Golf Club course is a gem which has a unique history and character which cannot be replicated anywhere else."

Royston Golf Club is keen to support its junior players, intending to grow the section and give more young players access to the game.

In addition, the club has a thriving ladies' section and academy as part of the Royal and Ancient's Women in Golf Charter.

PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) professional Luke Bailey said: "Juniors are the future of Royston Golf Club so it’s important to build a vibrant and enthusiastic junior section.

"I provide regular coaching and playing opportunities in a welcoming, encouraging, fun and safe environment.

"We have a structured pathway, from a complete novice golfer all the way into a full junior member.

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"If you are just starting out, learning with us or playing on a regular basis, all our juniors are valued members of our club. Everyone is very welcome."

Therfield Heath offers an all-year playable golf course, with a unique layout and elevation from the chalk hills.

Visit www.roystongolfclub.com for more information.