Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and HSBC have launched a groundbreaking grassroots golf programme.

Introducing more than 2,000 local school children to the sport, the ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ programme aims to inspire and uncover the next generation of UAE golfing talent.

Students from eight schools will receive 400 hours of coaching at world-class facilities including Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links.

The programme will guide youngsters through four modules, teeing off with Discover Golf Month where the four golf facilities will offer free taster sessions for one hour per day.

In January, groups of students will enjoy unique hour-long guided tours on the first and last day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship – which will feature top stars including world number one Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler.

After watching the world’s best in action, students will experience the Discover Golf at School module, where golf professionals will visit the eight schools.

The junior programme will culminate with Discover Talent, where the schools will each receive a dedicated four-week course of beginner coaching from one of the four golf clubs.

HE Aref Al Awani, ADSC’s general secretary, said: “Never before has a free grassroots golf initiative of this kind been implemented on such a large scale in Abu Dhabi, and we thank our long-term partner HSBC for taking the reins in driving this forward.

“The young megastar trio of Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler is really shaking up the game and they are exactly the exciting personalities that are needed to attract more juniors into golf.”