Professional scene/New PGA captain: Former professional turned broadcaster Beverly Lewis has become the first woman to captain the English Professional Golfers' Association (PGA).

Lewis, who had been captain elect, succeeds John Yeo.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: "After 104 years with a man at the helm it's a refreshing change to have a lady as PGA captain. Bev is more than qualified for the role and was voted for unanimously by the board on the basis of her professional credentials."

Lewis said: "This is an amazing honour and I couldn't have been more surprised than if someone had asked me to be Queen! I am delighted to be in a position to champion women's golf, as well as having the opportunity to make a difference within the professional circles of the game."

As captain Lewis will be an ambassador for the PGA and represent the membership at all official functions and major events including the British Open and the US Masters.

She took up the game at the age of 18 when she played at a local pitch-and-putt course in open-toed sandals with a club bought from a junk shop in Southend.

She is a founder member of the women's PGA, one of the first women professionals to gain PGA membership, a qualified R&A referee, a respected lecturer on the sport, an author and a member of the BBC commentary team.

"I have learned a lot about the role over the last two years by working alongside John Yeo and now I can't wait to take the reins myself," Lewis said.

"It's quite daunting when you are described as a role model for women. I hope I am able to show everyone that golf isn't just for retired men, but an exciting sport that welcomes all, including teenagers, at every level.

"If I can leave a legacy I hope it is that of massively increasing the numbers of female golfers in Britain, from schoolgirls to working mums."

Lewis, who teaches at the Brentwood Golf Centre, is a prolific author with 10 teaching books.

She has been a member of Thorndon Park Golf Club in Essex for nearly 30 years.