London, Sept 2 : A golfing firm has banned a female caddy service, which provides models trained in golf etiquette, for "damaging the reputation of the sport".

Leaderboard has imposed a ban on female caddies from four golf courses, Chart Hills in Biddenden, Kent; Dale Hill in Wadhurst, East Sussex; Sandford Springs in Kingsclere, Hants; and The Oxfordshire Golf Club in Oxford.

"Anyone who seriously cares about the development of the game should work to ensure that it is as professional, inclusive, and culturally inoffensive as any other major sport," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman for Leaderboard as saying.

"Exploiting outmoded notions of golf as a male bastion is not ''just a bit of fun'', it damages the reputation of the sport as a whole as well as its appeal to members of the younger generation of either sex," he added.

The Eye Candy website suggests the service is primarily for the corporate market and promotes its service by claiming that with "an Eye Candy caddie by your side, other golfers will be green with envy."

It adds that its "team of girls in attractive uniforms are much more than just a pretty face."

"We add that extra sparkle and difference to any golf day and put a smile on people''s faces," said the company''s managing director, Sarah Stacey.

"All the girls are trained in the etiquette of golf and uniformed in appropriate golf attire.

"They all sign a code of conduct so everyone is clear about the boundaries," she added. (ANI)