Andy Murray favourite padel hits Glasgow as new courts open up world's 'fastest growing' sport to Scotland

Scots can now have a go at the world's fastest growing new sport loved by the likes of Andy Murray.

R&A run venue Golf It! have opened up three new courts in partnership with Game4Padel in Glasgow, allowing locals to get involved. Scots tennis hero Murray, along with brother Jamie and mum Judy are big proponents of the game, with France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane also a fan. Liverpool captain and former Celtic star Virgil van Dijk is known to dabble along with Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp.

Billed as a combination of squash and tennis, padel is played on a court one third the size of a standard tennis court. A hard bat rather than a stringed racquet is used along with a tennis ball, and is played in teams of two. An average of 45 minutes of every hour is spent on rallies rather than 15 minutes compared to tennis.

“It’s great that padel has made it to Glasgow," said Jamie Murray. "I first played padel when I was in Spain and it’s a brilliant game. I think the social side of it will really appeal to people here. I encourage everyone to give it a go”.

Michael Gradon, Game4Padel CEO added: “We are delighted to be a part of this exciting new development in Glasgow. Padel is a sport that can build communities because of its social aspects and the fact that almost anyone can play regardless of their background or sporting ability.

"It therefore fits perfectly into what The R&A are trying to achieve with Golf It! being accessible, fun and easy for beginners to pick up. We expect the courts here to be a big success and look forward to future opportunities with The R&A and other venues looking to diversify their facilities to attract a new audience”.