Golf: Free admission to US Masters for youngsters

Youngsters aged between 8 and 16 will be given free admission to next year's US Masters golf tournament if accompanied by an accredited patron.

"We want to inspire the next generation of golfers," said Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne. "We're serious about exposing youngsters to golf and the Masters."

Tickets to the Masters are among the most cherished in sport and exposing youth to the first major of the year is part of a new global strategy announced by tournament organisers in October.

Payne also said the popular par-three contest, traditionally held on the eve of the Masters, would be televised for the first time next year in the hope of reaching a wider, younger audience.