New Crook Golf Club professional Lee Findley is delighted to be back in his native North East after spending 13 years in Germany. The 37-year-old from Durham City recently took up his new role at Crook and is intent on building a strong reputation as a coach.

Lee also plans to offer a well-stocked shop with competitively priced high-class clubs and equipment.

Lee, who learned his golf at Durham City before turning pro at the age of 17, began his career with stints at Otley and Ilkley golf clubs in Yorkshire before moving to the Continent.

After 13 years in Germany, teaching as well as running a club shop, he returned to the UK and worked with one of the country's best-known coaches, Scott Cranfield, in London.

He then came back to the North East and following short spells at N1 Golf, Morpeth and Parklands in the centre of Newcastle, was offered his current position at Crook.

He said: "It's great to be back in the North East after being away for so long and the members at Crook have been tremendous. This is a very friendly and relaxed club and it suits me down to the ground.

"I've built up a lot of experience as a teacher over the years and I'd like to use all of this knowledge I have to gain a reputation as a good coach. I think I have a lot to offer and we have some great facilities at Crook.