RYDER Cup ace Lee Westwood has been lined up as the new professional of the Flaxby Country Resort, near Harrogate.

Westwood, the world number 15, has entered into a partnership with property and investment company, the Skelwith Group.

His remit will be to redesign the 27-hole Yorkshire course, set up an Academy and become the course professional in 2011.

Said Westwood: “This is a great opportunity to help improve the Flaxby course and bring it up to the highest standards.

“Putting in a permanent academy will also be a great base for me and I look forward to the resort developing around it.

“The course just needs a bit of tweaking to make it one of the best in the country and the facilities around it will be magnificent.”

Skelwith Group managing director Paul Ellis said: “Lee is a fantastic ambassador for golf and so we are delighted with his involvement at the Flaxby Country Resort. He is a Ryder Cup legend and will be involved in bringing the biggest events in the sport to the course.

“The Academy will be for all abilities – from budding Lee Westwoods to the many local schools that currently use the facilities on a weekly basis.”

Located between York and Harrogate, the course has been open since 2005 and already has nearly 700 members. The course was originally designed by David Hemstock. The Skelwith Group is developing the course into a luxury resort that will feature bars, restaurants, a luxury spa and gym, boutiques and 300 rooms.

• TEEN power was to the fore at Aldwark Manor GC, where division one of the first men’s medal competition of the season was won by 14-year-old Max Winterburn.

The teenager posted a nett 67 to reflect a glowing run of form which has seen his handicap reduced by no fewer than eight shots.

Joint runners-up on identical scores of 70 were George Walker and Martin Roskrow, who were both playing off a handicap of 13.

Division two was won by Jeff Powell (17) with 69 and a better back nine than runner-up Simon Evans (20), while division three went to John Bygate (23) on 72, one ahead of Colin Skinner (28).

Division one of the ladies’ April Medal was won by Lesley Ford (15) with 78, one clear of Denise Wilson (17).

Division two honours went to Anna Goti (30) on 69, eight shots better than runner-up Shirley Dunstan (33).