SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Are you looking to get fit, take up a new sport, and make new friends? Then the game of golf ticks all your boxes and more.

A game that’s suitable for all ages, at Littlestone Golf Club, in New Romney, there are more than 1,000 members of all ages - the oldest, actively-playing member is 92.

Littlestone boasts two unique courses, laid out on the naturally undulating links land along the coast and is recognised as one of the country's top courses.

Golf offers all players of the game many mental, physical and social benefits. Most 18-hole courses are between 3 and 4 miles long, so you could walk around 4 to 5 miles at a good, steady pace – that’s about 10,000 steps.

It will also get you out and about, enjoying the landscape and wildlife and at Littlestone on a bright winter’s morning, the view is stunning.

Keeping score and adapting your game to match the weather and environment will help keep you mentally on your game, while meeting new people at the welcoming club takes care of your social side.

Many new members come back to golf after playing earlier in life, when they have more free time, while for others, retirement offers the opportunity to try the sport for the first time. Often women are later to the game due to childcare, but it is a sociable sport you can do with your partner or with new friends.

At Littlestone there are three PGA professionals who can give lessons, help new players understand the rules and advise on the right equipment.

Director of golf, Andrew Jones PGA, said: "If you are completely new to the game please don’t be put off joining a club. Everyone starts playing at the same level and we can help you every step of the way.

"Being a member of a golf club is so much more than how well you play and the handicap system is designed so that everyone is on a level playing field. It is about friendly competition, making good friends, staying fit and having fun along the way."

Membership starts as a Birdie Member at the Littlestone Warren from £39 a year and at the Littlestone Championship Links from £500 a year.

Lessons start from just £25 or groups of lessons can be bought with further discounts.

Find Littlestone Golf Club at St Andrews Road, Littlestone, New Romney, TN28 8RB; call them on 01797 363355 or visit littlestonegolfclub.org.uk