The Open sees massive download increase for Lee Westwood golf App

More than 1,000 people downloaded the Lee Westwood's Masterclass golf app during the Open, when developer 2mee offered it for free until the final putt was holed.

The former world number one told his 770,000 Twitter followers that his app was available for nothing in a tweet and his followers responded by downloading it 1,045 times during Open week.

The unique app - which uses patent-pending Ultra Reality technology - allows golfers to use their smartphone to play side-by-side with a virtual Westwood, so they can learn and improve with help from one of the world's best golfers.

The bespoke technology, created by Yorkshire-based 2mee Ltd, allows users to drag and drop Westwood on to their screens, resize him, change angles and even make him left handed, so they can synchronise their swing perfectly with his and analyse all aspects of their swing, posture and mechanics.

And the ‘Send to Lee' facility offers the chance for the swing to be analysed by the world number 36 or one of his fully qualified PGA coaches at the Lee Westwood Golf School.

The app works with different clubs and swing strengths while there are also club recommendations and additional coaching from other PGA professionals.

Dave Soppelsa, chief operating officer of developer 2mee, said: "When we suggested to Lee that we should offer the app for free for the duration of the Open Championship, he thought it was a great idea.

"Like Wimbledon for tennis, the Open Championship is one of those rare sporting events which almost immediately increases the desire for participation and that was reflected in the number of downloads we experienced - and the number of swings that were ‘sent to Lee'."

Westwood, who worked alongside 2mee throughout the development, said: "This technology is like nothing I've ever seen in the 28 years I've been playing golf. It's so easy to use. You can record your swings on the course, on the driving range, in your garden or even in the living room. I genuinely believe that if you put some effort in using this app, you'll improve your game, regardless of your skill level."

The simple app can be used anywhere, enables swings to be exchanged with friends and coaches by social media, and comes with exclusive coaching videos and tips.

Lee Westwood's Masterclass is available now on iPhone 5+ devices, running iOS 7 or above. It can be downloaded from the Apple app store for £2.99.

For more information please visit www.leewestwood2meegolf.com