A SCHOOLBOY golfer won the chance to tee off with his sporting idol – Ryder Cup hero Lee Westwood.
Nathan Newton, 10, of Whitby, attended one of Westwood’s coaching academies at High Legh Park Golf Club, near Knutsford, during the summer holidays.
At the end of the course which contained a competitive element, the Ellesmere Port youngster was declared the winner, meaning he went through to a special ‘Winners’ Day’ at Lindrick Golf Club in Worksop.
There he was joined by the top golfers from the nine other academies Westwood runs – and the man himself also put in a special appearance.
Nathan’s mum Nicola said: “Lee is fantastic with the children. He takes a genuine interest in each of them and their golf progress. He is very natural and relaxed around the golf course with them, giving guidance and advice as they go. He is good humoured and made Nathan laugh on a few occasions. There is always football banter too as Lee is a keen Nottingham Forest supporter and Nathan supports Everton!”
Westwood – a key figure in Europe’s remarkable Ryder Cup fightback against the USA at the end of September – played with three groups of youngsters on the day at Lindrick.
Nathan was in the first group and first on the tee.
Westwood made up the four-ball and played holes one to six with Nathan’s group.
When the round was finished, each child was custom fitted for new putters. They were then invited back into the clubhouse for sandwiches where Westwood joined them and chatted with the children and family members.
Nathan, whose golfing exploits are making his parents Nicola and Andrew proud, was also a Westwood Academy winner in 2009 so he has now played with the former world number one twice.
Nicola said: “There are not many 10 year olds that can say that they have played golf twice with one of the country’s highest ranking professionals. Lee shook Nathan’s hand on the first tee and said that he remembered him from the last time they met.
“Nathan thinks Lee is amazing and a real inspiration.”
Nathan, who attends Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, is a member of Upton-by-Chester Golf Club and plays off a handicap of 16.8.
Westwood’s golf academies have been running since 2009. The coaching programmes are run by qualified professionals and are open to boys and girls aged from seven to 16. The aim is to teach children how to become one of the world’s best golfers.
