GOLFERS from across the Borders could soon be heading to Galashiels in a bid to win the Masters.

Tweedbank businessman Tom Gilhooley has unveiled plans to turn a former town centre bookies into a virtual golf centre.

And it could all be teeing off as early as October.

As well having three state-of-the art golf simulation lanes Mr Gilhooley also wants to include a cafe and bar area at the former Ladbrokes offices on Channel Street.

He told us: “There’s nothing like this for miles around and I think it will be popular with golfers of all abilities.

“We will have 110 different golf courses to choose from - including Augusta - so there’s plenty of choice.” Similar virtual golf centres in Glasgow and Aberdeen are proving popular with players as well as office parties and stag dos.

But Mr Gilhooley’s inspiration for his own business venture came in his sleep.

He added: “They have similar simulators for the golf on Sky Sports and I must have got the idea from there - but I woke up in the middle of the night with the idea for creating a centre in Galashiels.

“I spent a couple of hours writing down all of my plans and now, six months down the line, I have put in a planning application and I have the three simulators.

“I think it will be a great success and I have plans on expanding the centre once we up and running.” As well as allowing players to tackle some of the most famous holes, the simulators also record swing speeds and accuracy.

And it is hoped to bring in some of the region’s professionals to offer indoor tuition.

One of the Galashiels simulators will also include a football and rugby option - allowing players to take penalties and conversions at some of the world’s best-known stadiums.

The extensive first-floor premises have been empty since 2009.