World number four Lee Westwood has agreed to become an ambassador for the Golf Foundation charity.

The Ryder Cup star, who already has his own academy, has chosen to support Golf Roots, the national project which aims to develop playing and personal skills amongst all young people.

For the last eight years Westwood has endorsed the Foundation's "Charity Challenge", a fund-raising initiative, and he was presented with the organisation's "Spirit of Golf"' award at The Open in July.

Mike Round, chief executive of the Golf Foundation, said: "Lee Westwood has been a great inspiration to many young golfers and we are all delighted that he has agreed to become a Golf Roots ambassador.

"Through his links with our charity and the clear enthusiasm he shows for junior golf, Lee has also inspired the whole team behind the Golf Roots project, which is a highly important one for the future of the game.

"Golf Roots introduces golf skills and the game's 'skills for life' to youngsters from all backgrounds and abilities, in schools and golf clubs and through special initiatives in city areas."

Westwood stated: "The Golf Foundation has helped thousands of youngsters, me included, over the years and I am delighted that they consider me worthy of carrying the title and their good name forward."