IMMINGHAM professional Darryl Frame is urging golfers to become fighting fit after launching a new circuits class.

With the festive season in full swing, Frame has started a programme called Fit For Golf, which is aimed at strengthening muscles used to play the sport.

The sessions are open to all, regardless of age, gender or ability, and launched last night.

Frame said: "The sessions will be done as a circuits training class and every station in the class will be targeting the golfing muscles.

"The reason for doing it in circuits is so that people don't feel pressure at doing it at their own intensity, and to fun.

"Each session will also have a group session on stretches or core exercises.

"The classes will be as beneficial as having a swing lesson, as the player will be strengthening the muscles used to swing the club.

"By strengthening the muscles, they will make there swing more efficient so it takes less out of the body over a round. This means that people will be less fatigued during the later stages of their round."

Frame believes his classes will also help reduce the risk of injuries.

"It will help get rid of some people's aches and pains that they get during a round due to their golfing muscles not being flexible or strong enough," he said.

"Just hitting balls all day long for any level of players isn't good for their game. It can actually have a detrimental effect on the swing over time.

"A players needs to find other things to do to improve their swing and this can be done through exercises to strengthen and improve flexibility in there specific muscles.

"You only have to look on tour, conditioning their body is as important to them as hitting balls.

"The reason for starting the classes now is so that by the time everyone gets to the start of the new season, they have strengthened their muscles for four months so should be primed for the season ahead."

Classes are every Monday at Signhills School from 6.30pm-7.30pm and Wednesdays at Scartho Community Centre from 5pm-6pm, costing £3 a session. Call Darryl on 01469 575298 to register your interest.