Lee Westwood has launched a new Golf Academy at Close House in Northumberland. Westwood became the official Attached Tour Professional at Close House last May and the Academy will take place this summer in partnership with The Co-operative and Activate Sport.
Lee Westwood quoted “I am very proud of my Academy and the opportunity it presents for young golfers. The Lee Westwood Academy is all about learning about the game whilst having fun. I really hope that they will help hundreds more young people engage with the sport that I love so much, and get the same enjoyment that I have had out of this great game.”
TheLeeWestwoodGolfAcademywill be held over the 25th – 27th July 2012 and Lee Westwood will spend a full day with the young people on the course – available to young adults and children aged 7 to 16 years. They will get the opportunity to learn both old and new skills from some of the best coaches in the sport. There are currently ten other locations across the UK and Close House will look to attract aspiring and young golfers primarily from the NE, Cumbria and Scotland.
The coaching programme, which has been put together by Westwood and his team of experts, covers every aspect of the game and will be spread over a three-day period. ‘Off-course’ sessions to teach young people about good etiquette, rules, marking your card, nutrition, fitness and psychology will also be available.
Russell Smith, newly appointed Golf Director at Close House said: “Having Lee Westwood, one of the best players in the world on board in his ambassadorial role is very exciting and a great coup for the North East andUKgolf.
“TheLeeWestwoodAcademyat Close House this summer will further raise the importance of junior golf development. Both myself and the entire team at Close House are fully commited to supporting this great event and wonderful opportunity for the young, aspiring golfers. Wouldn’t it be great to find the next Lee Westwood at Close House.”
Smith, who officially started in his new role inJanuary continued, “The overall investment into Close House Hotel and Golf, especially in such a short period of time is quite astounding, and I have quickly discovered that our owner Graham Wylie brings unique vision and inspiration to help in making Close House a huge success.”
Smith, 40 moved to Close House from his former role at Gleneagles, where he was heavily involved in preparations for the Ryder Cup in 2014.
John Glendinning, General Manager of Close House Hotel and Golf in Northumberland said: “It is an incredible honour to have Lee Westwood as our Attached Tour Professional. To be able to provide top class coaching and techniques with Lee to junior golfers across the North of England is superb. We need academies like this to encourage young people to get into golf and keep fit at an early age. And for those who are already interested, it’s all about improving their game and skills. This is also an opportunity for our own golf pro’s to improve their skills from a world class player.”
Lee Westwood Academywww.leewestwoodgolfacademy.co.uk
Close House www.closehouse.co.uk