Williams appointed head pro at Hawkstone Park

Former European Tour golfer and Golf Monthly top 25 coach Keith Williams has been appointed head golf professional at Hawkstone Park Golf Club in Weston-under-Redcastle, Shropshire.

Williams, a former Wales international, previously held the role between 1986 and 1995 after four years playing golf professionally on the European Tour.

He went on to coach at elite level for the English Golf Union and lead Ian Woosnam's academy at Celtic Manor, before taking up a position he still holds as head golf coach of the Czech national golf programme.

Williams will use his significant experience to facilitate golfer development whilst encouraging more people into the game through the club's growing academy.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be back at Hawkstone," he said.

"There is a fantastic opportunity here for this club to fulfil its potential. It is a sleeping giant that has so much to offer. It is one of the top clubs in the West Midlands.

"I remember playing here when Alex Lyle, Sandy's father, was the professional, and looking at what Sandy went on to achieve I think demonstrates how good this club is.

"I've played and coached all over the world, at countless clubs under a range of structures, and this experience should help us develop what we already have here."

David Sims, general manager of Hawkstone Park, added: "It's fantastic that we have been able to bring Keith back to Hawkstone.

"He is an internationally-renowned coach who brings a host of qualities to our golf programme, and I am excited about the developments we can make to our already thriving golf club."