GOLF clubs are to be given life-saving defibrillators and staff training in how to use them.

In a deal agreed with the charity St John Scotland, all Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association national event venues will be supplied with the devices during the next three years.

A scheme has also been agreed for other neighbouring clubs to attend the training and obtain their own defibrillators, typically priced around £1,000, for half price from St John Scotland.

Each year 100,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest in the UK, more than lung cancer, breast cancer and Aids combined. CPR and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED ) can increase sudden cardiac arrest survival from 5 per cent to better than 50 per cent.

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher was saved by a defibrillator in August 2013 when he collapsed during a dinner at a hotel on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

Gallacher had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and it was only thanks to the hotel's defibrillator and the immediate action of trained staff that he survived, before going on to make a full recovery.

Sir Malcolm Ross, the prior of St John Scotland, said: "Scotland's golfing community is one of our most vibrant, but the course or the club can feel like a very isolated place to anyone who suffers a heart attack.

"Defibrillators will save lives and we are very proud to be working with the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association to supply the equipment and the training which will make all the difference until the medics or paramedics can take over."

Hamish Grey, chief executive of the Scottish Golf Union, added: "The outcome will be significant cost-savings for golf clubs, positive golf club and community engagement and, above all else, could lead to the saving of lives at Scottish golf courses."

Karin Sharp, chief operating officer of the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, said: "We look forward to working with St John Scotland over the next three years and thank them again for their support for the game in this country."