Charges for using South Ayrshire Council golf facilities have been set for 2006, and have been kept as low as possible to enable locals and visitors to enjoy the facilities.

The Council is particularly keen to encourage young people to use the courses, and this is reflected in the fact that the price of a juvenile season ticket will be kept the same as during 2005.

The Council's golf business is closely aligned to the Council's business plan, and plays a major role in the delivery of the Council's tourism and economic development objectives.

The charges for using golf facilities are reviewed annually. Before setting the new level of charges current market forces and trends are carefully considered to ensure that the range of fees offer value for money.

After setting the new tariffs the Convener of the Council's Economic and Tourism Development Committee, Councillor Robert Campbell said: "Charges for some facilities in 2006 will be the same as in 2005, in order to encourage and enable a wide range of people to enjoy playing on Council golf courses.

"South Ayrshire is recognised as a world class golf venue, regularly hosts the Open golf championship and attracts golfers from all over the globe who enjoy playing on some of the finest golf courses in the world. In recent years there has been a steady growth in the number of local people and visitors playing on our courses.

"The Council has made a firm commitment to golf development through the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Action Plan and recognises the need to encourage young people to take up golf. Indeed the future of golf depends on these youngsters developing and maintaining an interest that is why the clubgolf junior fees have been introduced. With a bit of good luck and much effort, South Ayrshire may also be fortunate enough to nurture future champion golfers in the process.

"I am sure that many golfers would love to receive a Council season ticket as a Christmas present, as it is a gift that they could enjoy over and over again."

Details of charges for Council golf facilities in South Ayrshire can be located on the Council's website at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk or by contacting staff on telephone number 01292 616255.