Troon Golf Week marks its golden anniversary this year and South Ayrshire Council is helping the party go with a swing, thanks to a packed programme of events and entertainment open to all.

Celebrations for the 50^th jubilee tee off on Sunday 15th August with the ever popular mixed foursomes played over Fullarton Golf Course, a links course with testing greens that will challenge your short game and putting.

This is followed on Monday 16th August by the qualifying rounds for the prestigious Mills Quaich and Troon Rosebowl competitions, with both reaching their exciting final stages on Thursday 19th August.

The Charles Buchanan Seniors Competition and Ladies Jubilee Cup tee off on Wednesday 18th August and are likely to be closely contested competitions.

Thursday 19th August sees the Stableford, followed by the Consolation Cup.

There are further treats in store for golfers during the birthday week.

On Monday 16 August, top manufacturers Wilson, Titleist and Ping are hosting golf trials, where the latest equipment, gadgets, training aids and merchandise will be available for testing from 4pm.

If that doesn't whet your appetite, then the hog roast from the marquee afterwards is bound to be a hit with golfers and non golfers alike - and may be the only time a golf fanatic will welcome a slice!

Tickets are priced at £5 each and are available from the pro shop at Harling Drive, Troon.

From 6pm on Tuesday night, 17th August, you can enjoy Burns Supper Night, promising an evening of truly traditional entertainment and starring sensation Scots singing duo, the McDonald Brothers. Tickets are priced at £12.50.

Wednesday 18th August is one for the ladies only and starts at 4pm.

Come along and enjoy a glass of wine, demonstrations by local retailers and enter a free draw with many prizes up for grabs. Tickets are just £2.50 and are available from Pamela on 01292 616212.

The week-long festival of birthday fun comes to a finale on Friday 20th August with the presentation of prizes to the week's winning golfers.

All previous Mills Quaich champions, together with this year's competition winners and invited guests, will enjoy a special reception hosted by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan who said: "South Ayrshire is the home of Open golf, celebrating 150 years in 2010."

There's only one chance to celebrate this very special 50^th anniversary, so why not make room in your diary, come to everything and enjoy the whole in one!