Chips shots.

Rothbury have the go-ahead to extend their course in the scenic Coquet Valley to 18 holes. Alnwick District Council approved plans for another nine holes on farmland at the foot of Whitton Bank. A new clubhouse will also be built to include new catering facilities, games and junior rooms and a new lounge. Also planned are a driving range and new access road via the Whitton road, together with a car park. Club chairman Ken Foreman said: "Extending the course will mean taking on three new green keepers as well as other staff at what will be a significantly improved clubhouse." The club, hoping for more visiting golfers, will work with hotels, B and Bs and pubs to set up golfing packages. Planning permission has a series of conditions to protect wildlife, visual amenity and footpaths.

SEVERAL changes have been made to Troon, scene of this year's Open Championship. It will measure 7,175 yards - 96 yards longer than the course over which Justin Leonard won the title in 1997. Changes are all new tees and are at the first, which is six yards further back and 30 yards to the right of the previous first tee, the sixth which makes it 24 yards longer, the 11th where the new tee is 27 yards futher back and nearer the railway and 15, again 26 yards back and to the left of the 14th green - the previous tee was to the right of it. Par stays at 71.

IAN Hiscock has taken over the captaincy of Seahouses from Kenneth Howe, who has thoroughly enjoyed his year. In said: "Ian Hiscock has worked very hard and diligently for the good of the membership of Seahouses. He has been a member of the committee for many years and has been chairman of the handicap committee."

THE first Chris Lucas Trust Charity Open will be at Wallsend on July 11. Entry for a team of three is a minimum pounds 75. Ramside also hosts the first Metro Radio and Magic 1152 Just for Kids tournament on April 1 with four-man teams costing pounds 400 - includes golf, lunch and prize dinner and presentation with Brendan Healy and Metro Radio's Brian Moore as speakers.

THE Teesside Union have launched their own website - www.teessidegolfunion.co.uk.

SCOTTISH Borders again offer their three-day passport for pounds 65 and the five-day passport for pounds 90 in 2004 plus a new senior pass and weekend golf. Courses include the new flagship Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf and Country Club. Details on [phone] or at www.visitscottishborders.com