BUDDING golfer Adam Harris experienced the opportunity of a lifetime when he got to play six holes with Ryder Cup ace Lee Westwood at Lindrick Golf Club in Nottinghamshire.

The Beaminster student, who is currently in Year Nine, won the chance at a three-day Lee Westwood Academy Programme at Warwickshire Golf Club back in July where 35 boys were subjected to a series of drills and assessments with the scoring based on their age.

When the scores were all totted up Harris not only came out on top in his age group but he was also crowned the overall winner, which gave him the chance to meet Westwood, along with nine other regional winners.

Their day at Lindrick began on the range where the Ping staff fitted each of them with a new driver, a putter and a pair of Footjoy shoes before they then all headed out on the course in three groups with Westwood joining each for six holes.

Harris was in the last group and met up with the former world number one on the 13th tee. Playing alongside such a superstar could have led to a few nerves but the youngster held it together with his best moment coming on the penultimate hole – the 394-yard 17th.

Westwood produced a solid par but he was no match for Harris whose three-wood approach to eight feet led to a wonderful birdie.

They then went on to shake hands on the 18th where Westwood signed for a fine 65.

Rob Harris, Adam’s father, said: “To witness Lee playing powerful, direct, controlled golf at such close quarters was a real treat, and those present with aspirations of playing at his level were left in no doubt where they need to be to have any chance of doing something in this game.

“In the clubhouse afterwards, everyone tucked into a buffet and Lee posed for photos and signed autographs.

“Lee, his management team and Lind-rick Golf Club were perfect hosts and I would strongly recommend the Lee Westwood Academy programme to anyone “On a personal note, I must also thank Ian Hulse for thinking Adam a worthy candidate to represent Dorset Golf Union and offering him this unique opportunity.”