THE LEE WESTWOOD GOLF ACADEMY EXPERIENCE

Some of the lucky people who were able to attend the first Lee Westwood Golf Academy wrote to tell us of their experiences.

(If you have a story you would like to share about your three day Golf Academy, please contact us)

Jack Birkin - Ruddington Park Golf Club

My name is Jack Birkin and I have just completed the Lee Westwood Junior Academy. I was unable to attend the second day due to a previous committment but would like to tell you about my Lee Westwood Golf Academy experience.

On Monday morning I arrived at Rudding Park Golf Club, brimming with expectations and looking forward to what was to come. I was one of the first to arrive, and I had plenty of time to sit and read the booklet I had been given, which contained some of Lee's tips. Eventually at about 9 o'clock when everyone was seated, the coaches and organises came to talk to us about the Academy. Then we were put into our groups, my coach was Mark Moore.

Across the three days, we had our swings analysed by computer, we had a presentation on etiquette, we practised and competed in long game, putting, chipping,and bunker play competitions, along with a quiz. The overall points winner would recieve a prize most junior golfers could only dream of, a custom fitted G10 driver, a Karsten series putter, and; a round of golf with Lee Westwood! Individual prizes were given for each competition of which I won the bunker comp (the prize was a Ping G10 cap)..

I can't really tell you what it is like to meet Lee Westwood, as I didn't get the chance, due to my absence on the second day (I was competing in the EGU National Skills Challenge Regional Final, which I won), but I know I will cherish my memories of the Academy greatly. It was a great experience for all concerned, whether you have been playing golf for a long time, like me, or just picking up a club for the first time! I came home with a big bag of goodies which included a Lee Westwood Academy Ping cap, a Lee Westwood endorsed putting aid, a Lee Westwood Academy Ping shoe bag, a certificate and a report from our coach giving our strengths and weaknesses.

Finally, I would like to say how well organised I thought the Academy was, and would like to say a big thank you to Mark, my coach for three days, along with all the other coaches. Nick and Dan, the organisers, Rudding Park for the excellent facilities, Lee Westwood, for signing my cap when I wasn't there, and most importantly to all the Juniors who attended, we all had a great time.

The only thing left to say is: I'll be back next year!

Storm McClements - Chesfield Downs Golf Club

  I would like to say thankyou to Mr Westwood for giving me the chance to improve my golf and also have sooo much fun at one of his golf academies.

I went to Chesfield Downs Golf club and had the most amazing time. I am eight years old and I was one of only two girls there, but that didn't matter because the staff were absolutely amazing. I have learnt so much and the best thing was meeting Lee himself.   He was so kind.  I wanted to thank him because I find It really hard being a girl and playing golf as there are so many boys but these three days have been the best ever.

 I am going to get my handicap soon and one day I hope to be really good just like you. Thankyou for giving children the chance to have so much fun and learn so much.

Storm McClements (Luton)  8 years old.

 ALSO A BIG THANKYOU TO PING FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE LEE WESTWOOD GOLF ACADEMY