A new generation of golfers are in line to be discovered in Tenby, as Wales' oldest affiliated golf club undergoes a minor makeover to provide practice and learning facilities for those just teeing off in the game.

Over the past few weeks, work has been taking place at Tenby Golf Club, to complete a project that has come about as a direct result of an initiative from the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund - one of the commitments from the Welsh Assembly Government's successful bid to host the Ryder Cup 2010 event in Newport, giving clubs across the country financial backing to develop quality, accessible public golf facilities.

The aim is to encourage people of all ages, from all walks of life, to get into the game and to transform the huge excitement and prestige of the Ryder Cup 2010 into long-lasting benefits for those who are new to the game.

"The facilities to be provided within the grant awarded to the club had to feature a practice area to include a driving range and a three-hole short game area," said Tenby Golf Club's secretary, David Hancock.

"As well as providing an excellent additional facility for Tenby members, the area will provide our club professional, Rhys Harry, with the opportunity to introduce beginners to the game, without the sometimes daunting prospect of having to learn the game on the course itself.

"It's great for Rhys in particular, who's a very enthusiastic guy and keen to encourage more to get involved in the game of golf. A lot of people have been taught some of the basics through taster lessons, but these new facilities will help to develop newcomers with other aspects of the sport, while also teaching them the ethos and etiquette of the game," explained David.

The majority of the cost of the project will be met by the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund, while the scheme has been undertaken with consultation and the backing of both the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and the Countryside Council for Wales.

The project, which is being undertaken by specialist civil engineering firm, Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month, will also alleviate a longstanding problem at the seaside links with spreading buckthorn which was encroaching on part of the course.

"Not only is the project going to provide easily accessible facilities to encourage both young and old to start playing golf, but it will also benefit the environment with regards to the clearance of the buckthorn," added David.

Tenby was a founder member of the Welsh Golfing Union in 1895, and is ranked one of the top five courses in the country.