PGA HAILS OPEN VOLUNTEERS

That's the verdict of the PGA's Jonathan Wright, coach education manager for England, who co-ordinated the army of PGA professionals who gave a record 2,400 free lessons at Royal St George's.

Wright singled out the teenage volunteers - supplied by the Kent CGP - for their role in making this year's R&A Swing Zone the most successful yet.

"The feedback we have received from the R&A, the PGA pros in the Swing Zone and the other parties involved is how brilliant the young volunteers were and how they played a role in making the Swing Zone the best yet.

"We had numerous volunteers, who fell under Kent CGP's Young Ambassadors programme, that performed admirably throughout the week.

"They undertook various roles from preparing goodie bags, taking bookings, to promoting the Swing Zone and all with a huge enthusiasm.

"They provided a youthful face at the Swing Zone and it was no surprise that they attracted a lot of youngsters to the stand wanting lessons.

"A few were fortunate to have been called upon to be scoreboard carriers throughout the week, while all of them had the opportunity to watch some of golf's biggest names, which we hope will inspire them for years to come."

This was the first time the PGA and the CGP have worked together on this but given the success, Wright expects this to be a permanent feature when the Open is staged in England, with similar proposals with clubgolf when the Open is in Scotland.

Wright added: "We want to build on this success and our hope is to work with other County Golf Partnerships across England and their volunteers at future Opens."