A FACILITY at Oxford Golf Club aimed at teaching the creative side of the sport will be launched in April.

Head PGA professional Joe Pepperell and assistant Martin Woodbridge are launching the Short Game Academy.

A practice area has been set up to focus on shots ranging from 20 to 150 yards, while tuition will also be offered on chipping and putting.

Pepperell, whose brother Eddie is ranked 41st in the world, is hoping to bring back some of the more traditional techniques in a sport where power has come to dominate.

He said: “Our philosophy will combine the artistry of golf with technology to help golfers improve their short game.

“When we learned to play, we had to learn the creative side of the game.

“This included shot shaping, and a variety of different short game shots round the green.

“It is an important part of golf but is often neglected.

“There are very few short game academies in the UK and we aim to make Oxford the go-to place for tuition on pitching, chipping and putting.

“I’d like to give people the opportunities we had as children.

“Growing up my hero was Seve Ballesteros, who had so much flair and creativity and I’ll be seeking to bring some of that philosophy and inspiration into the academy.”

The clinics and lessons will be open to non-members. For more information email joepepgolf@gmail.com or call 01865 244258.