SCHOOLBOY Tom Hartshorne is dreaming of being a golf star after beating more than 100 adults to win a tournament – at the age of eight.

Tom won the Grassholme Goblet at prestigious Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, with a four under his handicap total for 36 holes.

Tom, who first hit a ball with one of his dad's clubs a week after he started walking, said: “I wanted to try and show everyone how good I am and I’m absolutely happy to have won.”

A total of 112 members set out on the first round and the best 40 made the cut for the second round, with Tom in fourth place, two shots off the lead.

But after playing immaculately, he rose to the top of the leader-board and lifted the trophy.

Tom, who lives in Eaglescliffe and attends the local Durham Lane Primary School, is a member at both Rockliffe and Dinsdale Spa Golf Clubs. He is coached by James Hare at Dinsdale and plays off a handicap of 20.

His father Ally, a businessman, is also a member at Rockliffe, playing off a handicap of three, and mum Nicola followed him round in a buggy to support him.

Ally, who didn’t play in the tournament, said: “Words can’t describe how proud we are of him. He has such a great talent and we’re just trying to keep his feet on the ground.

“He first picked up one of my clubs and started putting with it when he was just 18 months old and he’s just taken to it.”

Tom has qualified for the national finals of the Wee Wonders golf tournament at St Andrew’s – known as “the home of golf” – later this month.

Last year, he was the Durham County Under-12 Player of the Year while his dad was Rockliffe Player of the Year.

Tom’s ambition is to become a professional golfer and one day win The Open.