DENISE VAN OUTEN loves golf so much she wishes her first date had been on the course!
The stunning theatre star and former Big Breakfast host is a golf fanatic and heads up the links whenever she can.
But it was seeing a loved-up pair on the practice ground that made her wish she had started playing more recently than three years ago.
Van Outen said: Last weekend I was on the range and saw a young couple next to me. They were clearly on a first date.
The guy was showing the girl how to hit balls. It was really sweet. And I thought, I wish someone had done that for me on a first date. It was lovely and a really nice thing to do.
Tonight I'm hosting The Royal Variety performance after party @grosvenorhouselondon #bebrilliant
so much fun today
No surprise then Van Outen is backing American Golfs Free Golf 2017 initiative.
Aimed at men, women and children of all ages, the drive will allow people to play, get lessons, enter competitions and go to shows all for free.
Up and at it this morning @thegrovehotel #golf
@thegrovehotel getting some practice in wearing clobber from @trendygolf
Latest figures show the number of people playing is at the lowest since records began, with 2,785,000 taking to the course last year.
And Van Outen insists the scheme, which launches tomorrow, will help banish golfs stuffy image once and for all.
She said: Ive been playing for nearly three years and I stumbled upon it because one of my girlfriends played.
I was single and wanted something to occupy my time. I ended up getting lessons just to fill time. But I fell in love with it.
I wish I discovered the game years ago. Its such a good game for your mind. To me, its like a form of meditation.
You go out there and forget about everything. I also like the fact its a long game. But when youre playing it goes by fast.
It would be really nice for more young people to play. Theyd be surprised. Its not a stuffy game. It still has a bit of stigma but its not just old people who play golf.
Tonight hosting the 'Retail Trust Awards' hair and make up by @lotttiepop
Niall Horan from One Direction has opened the door and so has Justin Timberlake. All these people wouldnt play if it was a boring game.
This initiative introduces people to the game and Id put money on a lot of them going back for more.
And you can keep playing until youre in your 80s.
Seeing old people out there, you think its saying something about its health benefits. Ive seen Bruce Forsyth on the course and he looks brilliant!
DENISE VAN OUTEN is hosting The Golf Show at London ExCeL (April 7-9), where American Golfs FREE GOLF initiative is being launched. For tickets or more info, visit www.americangolf.co.uk