Hampshire Golf Union made around £30,000 from their county card scheme last year. Dorset raised less than £1,000.

Now Dorset are embarking on an awareness campaign to convince golfers at the county's participating clubs of the benefits, not only to themselves but also to county finances.

"We have a buy one, get one free scheme in operation," announced county secretary Doug Pratt this week.

Dorset are members of a South East scheme involving clubs in Essex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Card-holders can play once on any participating course for half the usual day rate from Mondays to Fridays.

The same concession also applies in a similar scheme with Somerset and Wiltshire. Gloucestershire clubs are also likely to offer concessionary rates.

"This offers golfers a host of golden opportunities to play at 230 clubs under the scheme," said Pratt.

"Cards will be issued only to male members, over the age of 18, of the 23 participating Dorset clubs and all visits must be confirmed with the club being visited 48 hours beforehand."

The fee for both cards is just £8 and membership runs until March 31 next year. Funds raised contribute towards the escalating expenses of running structured golf in the county.

They are obtainable only from the county secretary at 5 Farm Close, Southhill, Weymouth DT4 0EG.