ONE of the fastest growing and most exciting sports in the world is now in North Ayrshire.

With two courses now opened, one in Largs and one in Stevenston, locals will be able to tackle the sport of Footgolf - a hybrid of two of the world’s biggest sports.

And I took to one of the courses on Friday with two top players to see what the fuss was all about.

The nine-hole course at Routenburn in Largs is operated by KA Leisure and offers a tough and expansive course with some of the best views on the west coast.

I was joined by Scotland International and Caprington Footgolf’s captain Rory ‘Cass’ Cassidy and Ayr Footgolf’s Paul MacFarlane as we took on the battles the course had to offer.

And it proved to be tough with the wind, the uphill front four holes and wet grass proving difficult to contend with.

I took hints and tips from the experienced pair and somehow managed to par the first hole and take a lead in a game I never thought I would be winning.

Having only played once before, I was still learning as I went and on the third hole I realised that balance and technique is everything as I went flying up in the air after teeing off.

Rory and Paul have plenty of playing time behind them and I looked for the way they chipped, putted and smashed the ball for inspiration but also for the way they read each hole, judging where would be best to tee off to, whether a 20 yard chip would work better than a 80 yard drive and using the wind and hills of the course to your advantage.

Somehow I managed to hold off the late charge by both players and win the round, much to the surprise of everyone!

Maybe it was beginner’s luck but I was captivated by a sport that seems so simple but has so many dynamics to it.

Macron Store Glasgow South in Stevenston provided me with some brilliant clothing for the round and I will certainly be using it as my Footgolf career progresses.

If you want to give it a try, KA Leisure are offering a free Come and Try Footgolf session at Auchenharvie Driving Range on Saturday, November 10, between 1pm and 2.30pm.

To find out more about the sport, visit http://www.ukfootgolf.com