A NINE-YEAR-OLD golfer could soon be giving the professionals a run for their money after bagging a hole in one.

James King, of School Aycliffe, County Durham, achieved the impressive feat while playing a round in Billingham on the 164-yard Par 3 eighth hole.

A member of the Oakleaf Golf Complex, in Newton Aycliffe, the youngster has only been playing for two-and-a-half-years.

"I was really excited because it was the first time I have got a hole in one," said the Heighington Primary School pupil.

Dad Matthew King said: "I just like to see him enjoying it and the smile on his face when he got the hole in one was brilliant. He just seems to be progressing each month. It's not often someone gets a hole in one - I've never had one in 39 years."

Despite having only one lesson a week, James manages to get out on the course an extra three times.

And he is hoping for success this year after qualifying for the Wee Wonders Golf regional final which he will compete in later this month.

Golf manager and James's coach Julie Welch said: "The professionals see real potential in him and I'm just really proud and inspired by him.

"We make sure we use him as a role model."