Budding young golfers got the opportunity to meet a legend of the game on Wednesday as three-time Champion Golfer of the Year Gary Player visited a primary school in Southport.

The South African was reunited with the Claret Jug, a prize he got to know well during his career, at the school as the trophy continues its tour of the North West ahead of the 2017 Open at Royal Birkdale.

Fifteen-hundred schoolchildren from five schools in Sefton will see the trophy visit them this week, and Wednesday was the turn of St Philip’s Church of England Primary School.

Pupils at the school had the chance to hear from the 81-year-old, and it was clear to them that his passion for the tournament burns as brightly as ever.

“The Open is such an historic sporting event and it is important to help tell its wonderful story to future generations,” he said. “I have many special memories of The Open and I am always proud to come back to the United Kingdom and share those memories.

“I am passionate about golf and education and it was a real pleasure to spend time with the pupils at St Philip’s.

“Sport and golf can have such a positive impact on young players’ lives and their future aspirations and I was thrilled to see the magic of The Open and the Claret Jug captivate our young audience at the school.

“Who knows, we may even have inspired a future Champion Golfer of the Year.”

This year marks the 21st anniversary of The Open’s Kids Go Free policy, which began at Royal Troon back in 1997.

Children under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge to the Championship and discounted tickets are available for youths aged 16-24, with Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of Championships at the R&A, clear that young fans are vital to the growth of the sport.

“Gary Player secured his place in the history of The Open with his three victories and is an inspiration to millions of golfers of all ages around the world,” he said.

“We are delighted that he has been able to join the pupils at St Philip’s today to tell them about his experiences of winning one of the world’s great sporting events.”