A Frizington youngster hopes to follow in the footsteps of a Ryder Cup-winning golfer after joining his academy.

Rory Walker, four, has become one of the youngest members of golf star Tommy Fleetwood’s academy.

Fleetwood, who is currently one of the top 20 golfers in the world rankings, partnered Francesco Molinari in the successful Europe side which clinched the Ryder Cup last year.

David Walker, Rory’s dad, said: “We went down to the British Masters at Hillside Golf Club and Rory wanted to make a sign asking Tommy Fleetwood: ‘Can I putt with you?

“Tommy eventually saw it and invited him on to one of the holes.”

Rory was able to putt with Fleetwood on Sky Sports and the star told David about his academy and asked him to get in touch with his coach, Norman Marshall, about getting signed up.

The rising star now travels to Formby Hall near Liverpool once a week to hone his skills with the help of Fleetwood’s coaches, who work on technique using fun games to keep the young players engaged.

David added: “He’s got the best coaching there is.

“The children will be training like professional golfers and they won’t even know it because it’s kept fun for them.

“He’s got a lot of feedback from Norman Marshall, who said he’s unusually talented for a four-year-old.

“I think they see talent in young people and want to progress that.”

Rory, who is a pupil at St James’ Infant School in Whitehaven, has already made an impression in the sport, playing on the European Junior Tour where Fleetwood started his career and starring in an advert for golf brand Callaway on Sky Sports.

He has been playing golf since he was about 14 months old and is a member of the junior section at Seascale but will now hope to take his game to the next level with the help of the academy team.

“He putts every morning and after school if he isn’t at the driving range or the golf course,” added David.

“His drive for the game is quite unbelievable.”