Beaconhurst pupils swung into action for the Ryder Cup.

A team of young golfers had the chance to mix with the sport’s leading professional players when they went behind the scenes ahead of the prestigious event.

Seven Beaconhurst pupils, all members of the independent school’s newly established golf development squad, visited Gleneagles as world-class golfers arrived to put in some practice before the start of the bi-annual competition.

They watched European golfers hitting practice rounds on the PGA Centenary Course and managed to pick up some tips as well as player autographs.

The pupils – aged between 11 and 17 – also had the opportunity to hit a few balls themselves using simulators within the venue.

Beaconhurst’s director of sport Judith Ramsay and local golf professional Tim Mitchell, who trains the new squad, arranged the once-in-a-lifetime trip for the pupils.

Ms Ramsay said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to immerse themselves in the world of golf and to hear Europe and America’s top players enthusing about the sport.

“Some of the members of the development squad are quite new to golf so it was a great introduction to golfing culture for them.” The golf development squad is a new initiative for the Bridge of Allan school aimed at developing golfing skills and introducing pupils to one of Scotland’s best-known sports.

Ms Ramsay added: “We wanted to establish golf as a Beacon sport because it’s a game which people can participate in throughout their lives. We also have great local facilities and some fantastic courses on our doorstep which pupils can benefit from.” The squad is comprised of five boys and two girls including 15-year-old Thomas Preston from Stirling, Kerr Fletcher (11) from Bridge of Allan, Harry Clark (13) from Auchterarder and 13-year-old Ben Malcolm who lives in Falkirk (all pictured).

Cameron Pender (14) from Bridge of Allan, Katie Laird (11) from Falkirk and 17-year-old Eleanor Jubb from Dollar make up the rest of the team.

Pupils train together four times a week both at school and at Stirling University’s driving range and golf course. They also benefit from a weekly individual session with PGA Golf Professional Tim Mitchell.

Ms Ramsay said, “We wanted to give pupils the opportunity to develop another sport and so far the scheme is progressing well and the squad are enjoying the sessions and developing their skills.” “The Ryder Cup tournament gave extra inspiration to those who are keen to develop their golf further and I’m delighted the squad had the chance to see some world-class players in action.”