Former athlete Denise Lewis has become a fan of using her golf irons in recent years and is looking to build on her love of the game by supporting the sport at a grass roots level.

Lewis, who claimed the gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, is to become an ambassador for the Golf Foundation charity and has the aim of encouraging individuals of all ages and backgrounds to gain some enjoyment out of hitting golf balls.

According to the Press Association, Lewis said: "Since retiring from athletics I have been bitten by the golf bug.

"It's a fantastic sport which requires lots of discipline and practice and Golf Roots is a great way to bring these skills to young people. Who knows, it might also help to find a star of the future."

Lewis has previously revealed that a similar mindset to that needed in heptathlon is required to perform strongly on the golf course.

She referred to both as "in the head" disciplines, where players must concentrate on what they must do next, rather than dwell on past mistakes.

Former Ryder Cup star Ken Browne is to join Lewis as an ambassador, while Lee Westwood also lent his support to the foundation last year by taking on the same role.

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