THERE are a number of journeymen professionals who can spend an entire career in golf trying to play in a major tournament.More specifically,the Open Championship at the home of golf,St Andrews.

This week Hartlepool 's Graeme Storm has been rubbing shoulders with world greats Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at Carnoustie,but he will be the first to admit that there is nothing quite like 18 holes on the old course.

And,next month,there will be a young golfer from the North-East able to showcase his rising talent at St Andrews,where the likes of Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have all graced centre stage.

Ten-year-old James Rogers,from Darlington,has qualified to play in the Grand Final of the reputable HSBC Wee Wonders Championships -endorsed by Woods himself.

That means that during his summer holidays from Abbey Junior School this year,James will be heading up to Scotland to play at St Andrews where he will be looking to take his rising potential to new heights.

After progressing from Local Qualifying at Matfen Hall, Northumberland,in May,James successfully booked his place at St Andrews on August 25-26 by qualifying from the north region at Leeds Golf Club last weekend.

"He has done fantastically well,"said James 'father Mark,a pro at Seaton Carew,and he will be heading to St Andrews along with the rest of the family.

"He has always been competing with kids older than him but this competition has meant he can play with children his own age.It 's been great for him.

"The talent up there will be to a high standard so it will be difficult but it should be fantastic for him.Sky TV are even doing a documentary on it so he could end up on there as well."

Now James -a member Seaton Carew and Blackwell Grange Golf Clubs -is relishing the opportunity to shine at one of the greatest courses in the world,and there is a determination to become Wee Wonders champion.

The national tournament -in which boys and girls can compete from ages 5 through to 12 among 3,000 entrants -has seen competitors look to reach the furthest distance over 36 shots.

After their final shot,the children have had to place their own flag in the specific place.

The Grand Final will be different.It will strokeplay over two rounds of nine holes and the winner will be the lowest two-round aggregate score.

TEE TIME:Talented golfer James Rogers has qualified to play at the home of golf,St Andrews Picture:SARAH NICHOLSON By Paul Fraser