A SEARCH is underway to find the worst golfer in Herts. The competition has been launched by Redbourn Golf Club, in association with the Herts Advertiser, to give the county s biggest hacker the professional help they need, including a year s worth of fre

A SEARCH is underway to find the worst golfer in Herts.

The competition has been launched by Redbourn Golf Club, in association with the Herts Advertiser, to give the county's biggest hacker the professional help they need, including a year's worth of free golf lessons.

Do you know someone, male or female, who spends their life searching for balls in the rough, has never made a birdie or just can't putt to save their life?

Nominate your friends and family and a group of lucky losers will qualify for a special X-Factor style audition at Redbourn Golf Club's driving range and teaching academy.

There the three judges, including head professional Steve Hunter, will scrutinise swings, give hints and tips and find out whose golf needs to be thrown a lifeline.

All the short-listed golfers will receive a group coaching session at the club.

Launching the county-wide search, Steve said: "I've seen some awful golf swings in my time, including one chap whose flailing action looked more like an octopus falling out of a tree.

"I've seen golfers hit the ball sideways between their legs and accidentally let go of their club, flinging it 50 yards down the driving range. One man I was playing with even toe-ended his drive through the open window of a car."

Steve continued: "However, new and regular golfers who want to improve can do so, if they are prepared to put some practice in. I gave some beginner lessons to a young boy who, on his first round on our short course, completely missed the ball with his first swing and then holed-in-one with his second. He was thrilled.

"I've also seen players, who were apparently hopeless at the start, progress from the driving range to the short course to playing on the main 18-hole course and then winning their first competitions. So I have no doubt we can make Herts' Worst Golfer a better golfer - and that's the goal of this competition."

If you think you know someone who fits the bill for Herts' Worst Golfer, then either fill in the form below and send it to: Simon Folbigg, Redbourn Golf Club, Kinsbourne Green Lane, St Albans, Herts AL3 7QA or visit www.hertsad.co.uk to nominate online.

Entries must be received by March 14.

For more information about the competition call Simon Folbigg on 01582 793493 or visit www.redbourngolfclub.com