Just when some golfers may be tempted to pack away the clubs for the winter, along comes an event which may persuade players to extend their season a little bit longer . . . and one that certainly encourages them to look ahead to 2001.

Now established as an integral part of the pre-Christmas golfing calendar, the Golf Expo - sponsored by Allied Irish Bank and The Irish Times - takes place at the RDS next weekend. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to test out the latest in club technology, enter numerous competitions and receive free lessons onsite from Wayne Westner, a former World Cup winner in partnership with Ernie Els.

Westner, a former European Tour player, has a successful golfing academy based in Celbridge and is effectively moving the operation to the RDS on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to provide a teaching experience for those who visit the exhibition.

As usual, however, the centrepiece of the exhibition will be the McGuirk's Golf Shop, which will have the largest and most comprehensive range of clothes and equipment ever displayed under one roof. "Not only will we have the most extensive choice, but we'll also have exciting offers geared to the family and corporate gift shopper in the run-up to Christmas," said Michael McGuirk.

In fact, all of the leading golfing manufacturers - among them Callaway, MacGregor, Taylor Made, Ping, Wilson, Adams and Mizuno - will be present and, visitors will be able to test out the latest equipment in the 10 netted driving bays and putting greens positioned around the Main Hall. Indeed, one of the more appetising competitions that will be held is for one lucky visitor to win Taylor Made clubs for life, i.e., three sets that take a player through from teenage years to more senior years.

There will also be opportunities for societies and individuals to plan their golfing schedules for next year, with home and overseas destinations represented at the show which attempts to cover all facets of the golfing world.